On May 24, 2025, just eight days after graduating from the University of Rhode Island (URI), Timothy “Timmy” Myles Howard, 22, died from a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts in a chocolate bar labeled “may contain peanuts,” per USA Today (2025). The Southborough, Massachusetts native’s sudden death highlights the dangers of food allergies, affecting 6% of U.S. adults, and the need for clearer allergen labeling, per FARE (2025). His family and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers have raised over $27,500 for Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to prevent similar tragedies, per UNILAD (2025). Here’s a detailed, evidence-based account of Timmy’s story, the risks of anaphylaxis, and how to honor his legacy.
What Happened to Timothy Howard?
Timothy, a Communication Studies graduate from URI (May 16, 2025), ate a late-night chocolate bar at home in Brewster, Massachusetts, on May 24, 2025. Unbeknownst to him, the bar was contaminated with peanuts, despite a “may contain peanuts” label, per USA Today (2025). Key details:
- Reaction Timeline: At 12:12 a.m., Timmy was Googling unrelated topics; minutes later, he experienced throat swelling and couldn’t breathe, per Allergic Living (2025). He woke his parents, Tim and Patty Howard, saying, “I can’t breathe,” per WJAR (2025).
- Response: His parents administered multiple EpiPens and called 911, but the reaction progressed too rapidly, closing his airways within minutes, per SnackSafely.com (2025). Timmy died surrounded by family.
- Snack Details: The chocolate bar’s “may contain” label didn’t specify peanut presence, a common issue in 30% of U.S. packaged foods, per FARE (2025).
Patty Howard shared on Facebook, “It is with heavy hearts we share the loss of our son Timmy to a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts,” urging others to “hug your children tighter,” per Daily Mail (2025). X user @TheRhodyReport posted, “Heartbreaking loss of URI grad Timmy Howard to a peanut allergy,” (June 6, 2025).
Who Was Timmy Howard?
Timmy, described as a “kind, quiet soul,” was:
- A URI graduate (Class of 2025) with a summer internship lined up, per Southborough Daily Voice (2025).
- A member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, known for helping brothers in need, per Allergic Living (2025).
- An organ donor, saving four lives after his passing, per SnackSafely.com (2025).
- A dog lover, fostering pets via Sandy Paws Rescue, per My Southborough (2025).
His obituary noted his love for his “Foley Crew” friends, Sandy Island YMCA camp, and dancing to favorite music, per My Southborough (2025). His sister, Julia, who also has food allergies, said, “It kills people. It killed my brother,” per WWNYTV (2025).
The Dangers of Peanut Allergies
Peanut allergies, affecting 1–2% of U.S. children and 0.6% of adults, are the leading cause of food-related anaphylaxis, per American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (2025). Key facts:
- Anaphylaxis: A severe reaction causing airway swelling, low blood pressure, and organ failure, with 100–200 U.S. deaths yearly, per FARE (2025).
- Speed: Reactions can kill within 5–10 minutes if untreated, as in Timmy’s case, per Allergic Living (2025).
- Epinephrine: EpiPens deliver epinephrine to reverse symptoms, but must be used within 1–2 minutes of symptoms; delays reduce efficacy by 50%, per SnackSafely.com (2025).
- Labeling Issues: “May contain” labels, used on 30% of packaged foods, are voluntary and vague, causing 20% of allergic reactions, per FARE (2025). Federal law mandates labeling for nine allergens (including peanuts), but cross-contamination isn’t regulated, per USA Today (2025).
Patty Howard told USA Today, “If it says ‘may contain,’ don’t eat it,” urging parents to warn kids, per USA Today (2025).
The Fundraiser and Timmy’s Legacy
Timmy’s Phi Kappa Psi brothers launched a FARE fundraiser, raising $27,592 from 628 donors, surpassing its $25,000 goal, per UNILAD (2025). The fundraiser:
- Supports FARE’s mission to improve allergen labeling, fund research, and educate, per Fall River Reporter (2025).
- Encourages organ donation, honoring Timmy’s gift of saving four lives, per SnackSafely.com (2025).
- Promotes kindness, reflecting Timmy’s “warm, calm presence,” per My Southborough (2025).
