21-year-old Rhode Island college student who died from carbon monoxide while charging cell phone remembered for empathy, caring nature

Tragedy has struck as a young local college student has died after an incident during yesterday’s blizzard.

According to police, on Monday, at just before 7:30 p.m., Newport Police and Fire Departments responded to a Bellevue Avenue parking lot to check on a person inside of a vehicle.

When they arrived, they found Joseph Boutros, a 21-year-old Salve Regina University student, unconscious inside a running vehicle who was charging his cell phone.

The vehicle was covered in snow, and the exhaust pipe was embedded in the snow. 

Newport Fire Rescue transported Boutros to the Newport Hospital Emergency Room where he was pronounced deceased a short time later due to carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Boutros majored in Criminal Justice where he was secretary for the Leadership Team. He was also on the football team.

Fall River Reporter asked head coach Kevin Gilmartin about Boutros.

” Joe always had a smile on his face- always cared about his teammates and friends!  The kind of person who wanted everyone around him to be happy. He had pure empathy for the people around him. He was a kind and loving soul. He will be missed!”

Newport PD stated that this tragic incident was accidental and a reminder to be vigilant to keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are idling.