Tragic Death of College Student from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During Historic Blizzard
A 21-year-old college student has tragically died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning while charging his mobile phone inside a snow-covered vehicle during a historic blizzard in Newport, according to authorities. The Newport Police Department confirmed the devastating incident, which serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers posed by winter weather conditions.
Emergency Response to Parking Lot Incident
At approximately 7:20 p.m. local time on Monday, February 23, the Newport Police and Fire Departments responded to a parking lot to check on an individual reported to be inside a vehicle. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered Joseph Boutros, a 21-year-old student at Salve Regina University, unconscious inside the car while his cell phone was connected to a charger. The vehicle was completely covered in snow and was not running at the time of the discovery.
Pronounced Dead at Hospital Emergency Room
Boutros was immediately transported by Newport Fire Rescue to the Newport Hospital Emergency Room, where medical professionals pronounced him dead. The Newport Police Department stated that the cause of death was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning. This tragic incident has been officially classified as accidental, highlighting the critical importance of vehicle safety during severe winter storms.
Historic Blizzard Conditions in Newport
The city of Newport experienced unprecedented snowfall during this period, with officials reporting that just over 34 inches of snow fell within a 24-hour timeframe. This massive accumulation established a new record for the largest snowfall in the city's history, creating hazardous conditions across the region. The extreme weather played a significant role in this unfortunate event.
University Community Mourns Loss
Salve Regina University confirmed the tragic passing of their student through a spokesperson, who stated that Boutros "passed away at Newport Hospital after succumbing to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning while sitting in his car." The university has respectfully declined to provide further details out of consideration for the family's privacy during this difficult time.
University President Kelli J. Armstrong expressed profound sorrow in an official statement following Boutros' death, saying, "Our community mourns this tragic loss." The entire campus community has been deeply affected by this sudden and heartbreaking event.
Safety Warning from Authorities
The Newport Police Department issued an important public safety reminder in the wake of this incident, emphasizing that vehicle owners must remain vigilant about keeping exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are idling. Carbon monoxide poisoning represents a silent but deadly threat, particularly during winter months when snow accumulation can block vehicle exhaust systems, leading to dangerous gas buildup in enclosed spaces.
This tragic case underscores the critical need for awareness regarding carbon monoxide risks associated with vehicles during winter weather conditions. Authorities urge all residents to take proper precautions to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
