Thursday, February 26, 2026 - A college student died of carbon monoxide poisoning while charging his phone in a car in the middle of a historic blizzard, according to the Newport Police Department.
At about 7:20 p.m. local time on Monday, Feb. 23, the
Newport Police and Fire Departments responded to a parking lot to check on
"a person inside a vehicle," according to a press
release from the department.
Upon their arrival, they found Joseph Boutros, 21,
unconscious inside a vehicle, charging his cell phone. The vehicle was covered
in snow and not running.
Boutros, a student at Salve Regina University, was
transported by the Newport Fire Rescue to the Newport Hospital Emergency Room,
where he was pronounced dead as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, the NPD
said.
"This tragic incident was accidental and a reminder to
be vigilant to keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are
idling," said the Newport Police Department.
The city of Newport said in a statement on Monday
that just over 34 inches of snow fell in 24 hours, making it the city's largest
snowfall on record.
A spokesperson from Salve Regina University confirmed to
PEOPLE that Boutros "passed away at Newport Hospital after succumbing to
accidental carbon monoxide poisoning while sitting in his car."
"Out of respect and privacy we are not providing any
further details at this time," said the statement.
Salve Regina University President Kelli J. Armstrong said in a statement after Boutros' death, “Our community mourns this tragic loss.”
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