- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Newport Today
By the People, for the People
Rhode Island College Student Dies of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Charging Phone in Car During Blizzard
Salve Regina University football player Joseph Boutros succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to charge his phone in a snow-covered vehicle.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A 21-year-old college student in Newport, Rhode Island tragically died of carbon monoxide poisoning on Monday after he was found unconscious inside a running car that was covered in snow, with the exhaust pipe embedded in the snow. The victim, Joseph Boutros, was a student at Salve Regina University and a member of the school's football team.
Why it matters
This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially during severe winter weather when people may seek shelter in running vehicles. It highlights the importance of ensuring proper ventilation and clearing snow from exhaust pipes to prevent such accidents.
The details
According to police, first responders were called to a parking lot on Bellevue Avenue around 7:20 pm on Monday after receiving a report of a person inside a vehicle. They found Boutros unconscious inside the running car, which was covered in snow with the exhaust pipe embedded in the snow. Boutros was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- On Monday, February 24, 2026, first responders were called to the scene around 7:20 pm.
The players
Joseph Boutros
A 21-year-old Salve Regina University student and offensive lineman on the school's football team, who tragically died of carbon monoxide poisoning after being found unconscious in a snow-covered vehicle.
Salve Regina University
The college that Joseph Boutros attended and played football for.
Newport Police Department
The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and investigated Boutros' death.
What they’re saying
“Our community mourns this tragic loss. 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.”
— Kelli J. Armstrong, President, Salve Regina University
What’s next
Authorities will continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Boutros' death and whether any safety protocols or procedures could have prevented this tragedy.
The takeaway
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the deadly risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially during severe winter weather. It underscores the importance of ensuring proper ventilation and clearing snow from vehicle exhaust pipes to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
