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R.I. college student dies of carbon monoxide poisoning while charging cellphone in car
Joseph Boutros, 21, was charging his cellphone inside an idling vehicle that had its exhaust pipe embedded in the snow, Newport police said.
A Salve Regina University student died from carbon monoxide poisoning Monday after he was found unconscious in a snow-covered car, Newport police said.
Authorities said they believe Joseph Boutros, 21, was charging his cellphone inside the running vehicle, which was coated in flakes and had its exhaust pipe embedded in the snow.
Newport police and fire personnel found Boutros unconscious inside the vehicle after they were called to a parking lot on Bellevue Avenue around 7:20 p.m. for a wellness check. First responders rushed Boutros to Newport Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Monday’s nor’easter brought historic snowfall to Rhode Island; T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick notched a total of 37.9 inches of snow, breaking the record of 28.6 inches set during the Blizzard of ’78.
“This tragic incident was accidental and a reminder to be vigilant to keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are idling,” Newport police said.
A spokesperson for Salve Regina confirmed Boutros died after succumbing to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning while sitting in his car. A 2025 Salve Regina football roster identifies Boutros as a member of the Class of 2026 from Bohemia, New York.
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The university’s president, Kelli J. Armstrong, said the campus community is now mourning his “tragic loss.”
“Our hearts ache with Joseph’s family, teammates, faculty, coaches, friends and all who loved him,” Armstrong said in a statement. “May perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.”
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