Rhode Island College Student Dies of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Charging Phone in Car During Blizzard
- On Monday, Feb. 23, Joseph Boutros, 21, a Salve Regina University student, was discovered unconscious inside a vehicle in a Bellevue Avenue parking lot during Newport's record-setting blizzard.
- Evidence shows the vehicle's exhaust and tailpipe were covered with snow, causing carbon monoxide poisoning, police said, as Boutros was charging his cell phone inside.
- After responding at around 7:20 p.m., Newport police officers found Joseph Boutros unconscious inside a vehicle and transported him to Newport Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
- The university confirmed a planned vigil and the 7:30 p.m. Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel on Feb. 25 will be offered for Joseph, honoring Salve Regina community members.
- Newport Police Department warned, `This tragic incident was accidental and a reminder to be vigilant to keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are idling`, as widespread power outages and storm cleanup after the 2026 blizzard continue.
20 Articles
20 Articles
College Student Dies of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning While Charging Phone in His Car During Blizzard
Just over 34 inches of snow fell in 24 hours, making it the city's largest snowfall on record, the city of Newport said in a statement on Monday, Feb. 23Joseph BoutrosCredit: Joseph Boutros/InstagramNEED TO KNOWA Rhode Island college student was found unconscious inside a vehicle while charging his cell phone during a historic blizzard in the NortheastJoseph Boutros, 21, was pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of carbon monoxide poisonin…
Salve Regina student dies of carbon monoxide poisoning during blizzard
College student dies from carbon monoxide poisoning during blizzard
A 21-year-old Salve Regina University student died after he was found unresponsive in a vehicle Monday night in Newport. Newport police said officers were called to check on a person inside a vehicle parked in a lot outside the Young Building around 7:20 p.m. First responders found Joseph Boutros inside the vehicle while charging his...
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