A COLLEGE student died just days after graduating, after eating a midnight snack that contained peanuts.
Timothy Myles Howard, 22, had a severe anaphylactic reaction on May 24 that led to his death, said his mother on social media.
Timothy Howard, 22, died just days after his college graduation after eating a snack that contained peanuts[/caption]
His parents said the incident happened fast and even with an EpiPen, the reaction was ‘too far gone’[/caption]
His parents, Patty and Tim Howard, said the tragedy happened after Timothy ate a snack that was contaminated with peanuts.
Tim Howard told NBC affiliate WJAR-TV that their son woke them up and said he couldn’t breathe.
“At that point, it unfolded very quickly,” the father said.
Timothy’s parents used his EpiPen and called 911, however, it was too late to save him.
“The reaction was too far gone,” said Timothy.
The boy’s mother, Patty Howard, shared a Facebook post announcing her son’s death along with several photos, including from his graduation.
“It is with heavy hearts we share the loss of our son Timmy to a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts,” read the post.
“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.”
Patty revealed that Timothy’s frat brothers started a fundraiser to spread education on food allergy awareness and advancing anaphylaxis research.
At the time of writing, the fundraiser has reached its goal of $25,000 and now has more than $27,600 from over 620 donors.
“On behalf of Timmy’s Dad, Mom and sister Julia, we want to thank the outpouring of love and support during this difficult period,” read an update from the fundraiser.
“Thank you so much for donating to the Food Allergy Research and Education organization. Let’s spread awareness on food allergies and on advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment.”
The page also encouraged others to consider becoming an organ donor, which Timothy was.
“Keep spreading kindness, love to others and keep dancing!”
Symptoms of anaphylaxis
- Skin reactions include hives, itching, and flushed or pale skin.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Constriction of the airway, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
- Swollen tongue or throat.
- Weak and rapid pulse.
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Psychological symptoms, such as a feeling of impending doom.
Source: US Department of Agriculture
The page described Timothy as a “bright and compassionate” graduate from the University of Rhode Island and a Phi Kappa Psi brother.
“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,” the page read.
“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.”
The parents didn’t name the snack that their son ate, telling WJAR-TV t that they weren’t sure how many times he’s had it in the past, for it was his first time.
“We just want to bring awareness to make sure everyone reads labels and really looks at the ingredients,” Patty told the outlet.
Timothy’s sister Julia, who also has food allergies, echoed her mom: ” For companies to realize that putting ‘may contain’ sometimes, knowing what’s in your food, and the people that are eating it as consumers, knowing what’s on the label, I think is really important.”
