Home / Disasters and Accidents / Blizzard Tragedy: Phone Charging Leads to Fatal CO Poisoning
Blizzard Tragedy: Phone Charging Leads to Fatal CO Poisoning
25 Feb
Summary
- A college student died from carbon monoxide poisoning while charging his phone.
- The incident occurred during a severe winter blizzard in Rhode Island.
- Authorities believe snow blocking the exhaust pipe caused the deadly fumes.

A devastating incident unfolded during a brutal winter storm in Rhode Island when 21-year-old Joseph Boutros succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. The Salve Regina University student was found unresponsive inside his vehicle on Monday evening as police responded to a report during a historic blizzard. Authorities believe the car's exhaust pipe became blocked by the heavy snowfall, allowing lethal fumes to build up within the car. Boutros had been idling his vehicle to charge his phone amid the intense weather conditions. He was a criminal justice major and a beloved member of the university's football team. The Newport Police Department confirmed the death was accidental, emphasizing the importance of keeping exhaust pipes clear of snow when vehicles are idling. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can quickly prove fatal.


