College Student Dies While Charging Phone in His Car During Blizzard

A 21-year-old college student is dead after a devastating chain of events during one of the biggest snowstorms in Rhode Island history — and officials say it all happened while he was simply trying to charge his phone.

Joseph Boutros, a student at Salve Regina University in Newport, was found unconscious inside his snow-covered vehicle Monday night as a historic blizzard slammed the region.

According to the Newport Police Department, officers and firefighters responded around 7:20 p.m. on February 23 to a parking lot after receiving a call about someone inside a car. When they arrived, they discovered Boutros inside the vehicle. Police say the car was buried in snow.

He was rushed to Newport Hospital’s emergency room, but tragically, he was pronounced dead. Authorities later confirmed the cause: carbon monoxide poisoning.

The timing makes the loss even more heartbreaking. That same day, the city of Newport reported more than 34 inches of snow had fallen within 24 hours — the largest snowfall ever recorded there. City officials had urged residents to stay home as crews began what they described as a “multiday recovery and cleanup event.”

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can quickly become deadly. According to the Mayo Clinic, poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in the bloodstream, replacing oxygen in red blood cells. When that happens, vital organs can’t get the oxygen they need — and the consequences can be fatal.

In a statement, Newport police called the incident accidental and issued a sobering reminder about winter safety. Snow can block a vehicle’s exhaust pipe, allowing carbon monoxide to build up inside the car — even if it doesn’t appear to be running normally.

Salve Regina University confirmed Boutros’ passing, saying he died after succumbing to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning while sitting in his car. The school asked for privacy for his loved ones during this painful time.

University President Kelli J. Armstrong shared an emotional message following his death.

“Our community mourns this tragic loss,” she said. “Our hearts ache with Joseph’s family, teammates, faculty, coaches, friends, and all who loved him. May perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.”

Boutros was studying criminal justice and criminology and played offensive lineman on the university’s football team. Teammates described him as someone who brought energy and heart to the program every single day.

“The Salve Football family mourns the passing of Joseph Boutros,” the team wrote in a statement. “His contagious smile, selfless spirit, and the way he showed up for his brothers every day made our program better in every way. Forever a Seahawk. Forever family.”