Joseph Boutros Salve Regina Death, Obituary: A Rhode Island college student has died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning amid a powerful winter storm that has brought historic snowfall to the region. Newport Police said 21‑year‑old Joseph Boutros, a junior at Salve Regina University, was found unconscious inside his vehicle Monday evening in a parking lot on Bellevue Avenue.
First responders were called to the scene around 7:20 p.m. as blizzard conditions gripped Newport. Boutros was discovered inside a snow‑covered car while charging his cellphone, officials said.
The vehicle’s exhaust pipe was blocked by accumulated snow, a factor authorities believe allowed deadly carbon monoxide gas to build up inside the car. He was quickly taken to Newport Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police characterized the incident as an accidental tragedy and issued a warning to others about the dangers of running or sitting inside vehicles in heavy snow. “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 in a statement.
Salve Regina University President Kelli J. Armstrong offered condolences, saying the campus community is mourning Boutros’ loss. “Our hearts ache with Joseph’s family, teammates, faculty, coaches, friends and all who loved him,” she said, urging safety and awareness during severe winter weather.
The death comes as much of Rhode Island experiences a record‑setting blizzard, with some areas reporting snowfall totals not seen in decades.