Salve Regina Student Dies Of CO Poisoning Charging Cellphone In Running Car: Cops

NEWPORT, RI — A 21-year-old Salve Regina University student died of carbon monoxide poisoning after the tailpipe of his parked car became embedded in snow during Monday's blizzard, police said.

Joseph Boutros was found unconscious in the car parked in a Bellevue Avenue lot shortly before 7:30 p.m., the Newport Police Department said in a media release.

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Boutros was "inside a vehicle (and) was charging his cellphone," the release said. "This vehicle was covered in snow and the exhaust pipe was embedded in the snow."

"This vehicle was covered in snow and not running," the release said.

Boutros was taken to Newport Hospital where he was pronounced dead from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the release.

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"This tragic incident was accidental and a reminder to be vigilant to keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are idling," the release said.

Boutros was from Bohemia, New York, and was a member of the Salve Regina football team, according to the university's website.

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