A college student d!ed from carbon monoxide poisoning while charging his phone in a car during a historic blizzard, according to the Newport Police Department.

The Newport Police and Fire Departments responded to a parking lot at 7:20 p.m. local time on Monday, Feb. 23, to check on “a person inside a vehicle,” according to a press release.

When they arrived, they discovered Joseph Boutros, 21, unconscious inside a vehicle while charging his cell phone. The vehicle was snow-covered and not running. 

The Newport Fire Rescue transported Boutros, a Salve Regina University student, to the Newport Hospital Emergency Room, where he was pronounced d£•d due to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the NPD. 

“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 the Newport Police Department. 

The city of Newport said in a statement on Monday that just over 34 inches of snow fell in 24 hours, making it the city’s largest snowfall on record. 

A spokesperson from Salve Regina University confirmed to PEOPLE that Boutros “passed away at Newport Hospital after succumbing to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning while sitting in his car.” 
 

“Out of respect and privacy we are not providing any further details at this time,” said the statement. 

Salve Regina University President Kelli J. Armstrong said in a statement after Boutros’ de@th, “Our community mourns this tragic loss.”