Joseph Boutros, Salve Regina University student & offensive lineman dies from carbon monoxide poisoning charging phone from car during historic blizzard. Death ruled accidental after vehicle exhaust pipe became blocked from record snow.
The U.S’s unrelenting extreme cold has claimed yet another victim following the ‘accidental’ death of a Rhode Island college student who died of carbon monoxide poisoning while charging his phone in their car amid a historic blizzard canvassing the North East.
At about 7:20 p.m. local time on Monday, Feb. 23, the Newport Police and Fire Departments responded to a parking lot to check on ‘a person inside a vehicle,’ according to a Facebook release from the Newport Police Department.
Upon their arrival, they found Joseph Boutros unconscious inside a vehicle, charging his cell phone. The vehicle was covered in snow and not running.
Salve Regina student dies from carbon monoxide poisoning during snow storm
Boutros, 21, a student at Salve Regina University, was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, the NPD said.
Boutros hailed from Bohemia in Suffolk County, Long Island, the nypost reported, with the 21-year-old a sophomore and offensive lineman on Salve Regina University’s football team.
The same day, photos of the snowfall were posted to the city’s official Facebook page, as officials asked residents to stay at home to allow a ‘multiday recovery and cleanup event.’
Carbon Monoxide poisoning- the quiet death
According to the Mayo Clinic, carbon monoxide poisoning ‘occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the red blood cells. This can lead to serious tissue damage or even death.’
‘This tragic incident was accidental and a reminder to be vigilant to keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are idling,’ said the Newport Police Department.
Stated Salve Regina University President Kelli J. Armstrong, ‘Our community mourns this tragic loss. Our hearts ache with Joseph’s family, teammates, faculty, coaches, friends, and all who loved him.’
According to the school’s athletics website, Boutros was studying criminal justice and criminology and was an offensive lineman on the school’s football team.
