A Rhode Island college student died of carbon monoxide poisoning while charging his phone in a car during a historic blizzard that dumped over 34 inches of snow on Newport. Joseph Boutros, 21, was found unconscious in a parking lot on February 23 after snow covered his vehicle while he sat inside.

Boutros, a criminal justice major at Salve Regina University and member of the football team, had been charging his phone when carbon monoxide built up in the enclosed space. The Newport Police Department said the vehicle was not running but became a deadly trap when exhaust fumes couldn't escape through the snow-blocked tailpipe. He was pronounced dead at Newport Hospital.

Salve Regina University President Kelli J. Armstrong called Boutros' death a "tragic loss," noting he was beloved by teammates and friends. The football program mourned the offensive lineman on social media, remembering his "contagious smile" and team spirit. The Newport Police warned this "accidental" death highlights the danger of idling vehicles with blocked exhaust pipes during winter storms.