A Rhode Island college student from Long Island died of carbon monoxide poisoning after charging his phone in a running car during a historic blizzard, according to authorities.
Joseph Boutros, a 21-year-old Salve Regina University student, was found unconscious on Monday evening after cops checked on a person inside a vehicle in a parking lot, according to the Newport Police Department.
Boutros was charging his phone in the car, which was running while covered in hefty snow, police said.
He was rushed to a local hospital and pronounced dead a short time later due to carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities added.
Boutros, who was from Bohemia in Suffolk County, was a sophomore and an offensive lineman on Salve Regina University’s football team.
He was studying criminal justice and criminology at the school, according to the university’s football team roster.
“The Salve Football family mourns the passing of Joseph Boutros. His contagious smile, selfless spirit, and the way he showed up for his brothers every day made our program better in every way,” Salve Regina Football posted in a statement on social media.
Roughly 34 inches of snow buried Newport during Winter Storm Hernando on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
“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 Newport Police Department said in a statement.