College Student Dies from Accidental Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Joseph Boutros, 21, was found unconscious in a snow-covered vehicle where he had been charging his phone.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Joseph Boutros, a 21-year-old student at Salve Regina University, died on February 23 in Newport, Rhode Island, from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities said Boutros was found unconscious inside a snow-covered vehicle where he had been charging his phone, and the car was not running at the time. The tragedy has highlighted the hidden dangers of carbon monoxide buildup around vehicles and homes after major winter storms.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the lesser-known risks that can arise after severe winter weather, such as the accumulation of odorless and colorless carbon monoxide around snow-covered vehicles and homes. This can lead to accidental poisoning, which can be fatal even at low levels over time or high levels in a short period.

The details

Boutros, a senior Criminal Justice and Criminology major and member of the university's football team, was found unconscious inside a snow-covered vehicle where he had been charging his phone. The car was not running when Boutros was discovered. Authorities said heavy snowfall can create conditions where carbon monoxide can build up quickly, especially if exhaust pipes are blocked or partially surrounded by snow.

  • On February 23, 2026, Boutros was found unconscious inside the snow-covered vehicle.

The players

Joseph Boutros

A 21-year-old senior at Salve Regina University, majoring in Criminal Justice and Criminology, and a member of the university's football team.

Salve Regina University

The university Boutros attended, where he was a senior and a member of the football team.

Newport Police Department

The department that described Boutros's death as accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

Tim McLaughlin

The State Fire Marshal of Rhode Island, who warned about the risks of carbon monoxide buildup around snow-covered vehicles and homes.

Kelli J. Armstrong

The president of Salve Regina University, who expressed the community's grief over Boutros's tragic death.

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What they’re saying

“People often believe that a running vehicle will simply melt the snow around it. But if the exhaust pipe is blocked — or even partially surrounded by snow — carbon monoxide can build up and back up.”

— Tim McLaughlin, State Fire Marshal of Rhode Island (today.com)

“Our community mourns this tragic loss. Our hearts ache with Joseph's family, teammates, faculty, coaches, friends and all who loved him.”

— Kelli J. Armstrong, President of Salve Regina University (today.com)

What’s next

The Newport Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Boutros's death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of being aware of the hidden dangers of carbon monoxide buildup after major winter storms, and the need for proper ventilation, clearing snow from exhaust pipes, and functioning carbon monoxide detectors to prevent similar accidental poisonings.