Man Dies While Charging Phone in Snow-Covered Car
A snow-covered street in Newport, Rhode Island City of Newport
A 21-year-old college student in Rhode Island died Monday evening after apparently charging his phone inside a running car that had become buried in snow during a blizzard, according to authorities.
Police in Newport, Rhode Island said they found Joseph Boutros unconscious in a vehicle around 7:20 p.m. in a parking lot, WMUR reported. The car was heavily covered in snow, including the tailpipe, which blocked exhaust from escaping. Boutros was transported to Newport Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
“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 Newport Police Capt. Joseph Carroll.
The National Weather Service reported that Newport received about 20 inches of snow from the storm. Salve Regina University President Kelli J. Armstrong said the campus community is mourning the loss.
“Our hearts ache with Joseph’s family, teammates, faculty, coaches, friends and all who loved him,” Armstrong said.
Boutros, a member of the university’s football team, was a criminal justice and criminology major from Long Island, New York, according to the Providence Journal.
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