A 21-year-old Salve Regina University student and football player died of carbon monoxide poisoning after he was found unconscious inside a snow-covered car during a historic winter storm. The area had lost power, and he had gone to his car to charge his phone.
Newport police and fire personnel responded around 7:20 p.m. Feb. 23 to a Bellevue Avenue parking lot to check on a person inside a vehicle, according to a Feb. 24 news release from the Newport Police Department.
Officers found Joseph Boutros, a sophomore offensive lineman, unresponsive inside a vehicle that was covered in snow and not running, the release said.
Newport Fire Rescue transported Boutros to Newport Hospital’s emergency room, where he was pronounced dead a short time later due to carbon monoxide poisoning, police said.
“This tragic incident was accidental and a reminder to be vigilant to keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are idling,” stated the police department.
The team said his “contagious smile, selfless spirit, and the way he showed up for his brothers every day made our program better in every way” and added, “Forever a Seahawk. Forever family.”
The gas is odorless and colorless, produced by burning fuels like gasoline, wood or propane, and can reach dangerous levels if engines or appliances are not vented properly.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, confusion and blurred vision. Severe cases can cause loss of muscle control or consciousness as the brain and heart are affected.
The Mayo Clinic says anyone exposed should move to fresh air and seek medical help. Call 911 if a person is unconscious or unresponsive.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
