Share and Follow
A tragic incident unfolded in Rhode Island when a college student from Long Island succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. He had been charging his phone inside a running vehicle during a severe blizzard, as reported by authorities.
Identified as Joseph Boutros, the 21-year-old student from Salve Regina University was discovered unconscious on Monday evening. Officers found him in a parked car after responding to a welfare check, according to the Newport Police Department.
Authorities stated that Boutros had been using his car to charge his phone, with the engine running while the vehicle was buried under heavy snow.
Emergency services transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The cause was confirmed to be carbon monoxide poisoning, officials revealed.
Hailing from Bohemia in Suffolk County, Boutros was a sophomore at the university and played as an offensive lineman for their football team.
He was studying criminal justice and criminology at the school, according to the university’s football team roster.
“The Salve Football family mourns the passing of Joseph Boutros. His contagious smile, selfless spirit, and the way he showed up for his brothers every day made our program better in every way,” Salve Regina Football posted in a statement on social media.
Roughly 34 inches of snow buried Newport during Winter Storm Hernando on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
“This tragic incident was accidental and a reminder to be vigilant to keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are idling,” the Newport Police Department said in a statement.