According to the Newport Police Department, police checked on a person in a car in a parking lot on the evening of February 23 and found Boutros unconscious. The car was running and heavily covered in snow. He was taken to a local hospital but did not survive. Officials confirmed the cause of death was CO poisoning.
Snowstorm Buries Newport
The National Weather Service reported that Newport received about 34 inches (approximately 86 cm) of snow during Winter Storm Hernando.
Police emphasized that this was an accident and warned the public to ensure that exhaust pipes are not blocked by snow or other obstructions when running a car, as colorless, odorless CO gas can quickly accumulate and be fatal.
Message from the University
Boutros majored in criminal justice and criminology and played as an offensive lineman for the university's football team.
The Salve Regina Football team posted a message of condolence, remembering his smile and selfless spirit.
Authorities urged people to use portable chargers instead of sitting in running cars when heavily covered in snow, and to regularly check exhaust pipes in severe weather conditions.
