22-year-old college student tragically dies from eating peanuts just days after graduating

Massachusetts couple Tim and Patty Howard are mourning the death of their 22-year-old son Timothy after he ate a peanut-contaminated snack last month.

A recent graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a degree in Communication Studies, Timothy suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction on May 24 - only days after the family celebrated his educational milestone together.

“He came in and woke us up and said that he couldn't breathe. At that point, it unfolded very quickly,” recalled his father during a video interview with NBC affiliate TurnTo10.com from the family home.

Patty and Tim administered his EpiPen and dialled 911, but the allergen crisis was 'too far gone'.

Timothy’s distraught mother announced his death via Facebook, writing: "It is with heavy hearts we share the loss of our son Timmy to a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts."

She went on: "We just celebrated his college graduation and he had his whole life ahead of him. Our hearts are broken and we now have joined a club no one wants to be apart of. Please hug your children a little tighter today, don't sweat the small stuff and spread kindness to this world.

"His college frat brothers have started a in loving memory fundraiser page to spread education, food allergy awareness and advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment options."

This Give A Hand fundraiser donates all of its proceeds to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organisation, and has already smashed its $25,000 target.

An accompanying message written by Timothy's friend Kourosh Emami states on the page: "Let’s spread awareness on food allergies and on advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment.

"Keep spreading kindness, love to others and keep dancing! Timmy was just beginning what promised to be a remarkable journey in life. He was driven, kind, and deeply loved by family, friends, and everyone who had the joy of knowing him.

Timothy Howard tragically died after eating a peanut-contaminated snack (Howard Family)

"He had so much ahead of him, and he approached life with a rare kind of kindness and light. He was the person you could always count on to listen—really listen. He never judged, never interrupted, and always made you feel like what you had to say mattered.

"Timmy had a way of making everyone around him feel safe and seen. He had a warm, calm presence that made people feel better just by being near him."

It continued: "He didn’t complain, even when things were hard. He always looked for the good in people and held on to hope when others couldn't. His positivity was quiet but powerful, and his heart was as genuine as they come.

"He truly was one of the good ones—gentle, thoughtful, and full of love for others. His unexpected passing has left a profound void, but we are committed to honoring his memory in a way that brings purpose and change."

At the time of writing, 628 donors have collectively pledged $27,592 (£20,327) to the fundraiser.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].