A 21-year-old college student, Joseph Boutros, lost his life due to carbon monoxide poisoning while sitting in his snow-covered car during a historic blizzard in Newport, Rhode Island. Police said he was found unconscious in a parking lot while charging his phone.
Emergency responders arrived around 7:20 p.m. and transported him to Newport Hospital, where he was later pronounced de@d. Authorities confirmed the incident was accidental and linked to carbon monoxide exposure.
Officials noted that over 34 inches of snow fell within 24 hours, making it the city’s largest recorded snowfall. Police reminded residents to keep vehicle exhaust pipes clear of snow when cars are running to prevent similar tragedies.
Salve Regina University expressed deep sorrow over the loss, with President Kelli J. Armstrong stating that the entire campus community is mourning the heartbreaking incident.
