A Rhode Island college student was found unconscious inside a vehicle while charging his cell phone during a historic blizzard in the Northeast

Joseph Boutros, 21, was pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning

The city of Newport said on Monday, Feb. 23, that just over 34 inches of snow fell in 24 hours, making it the city's largest snowfall on record

A Rhode Island college student died of carbon monoxide poisoning while charging his phone in a car in the middle of a historic blizzard, according to the Newport Police Department.

At about 7:20 p.m. local time on Monday, Feb. 23, the Newport Police and Fire Departments responded to a parking lot to check on "a person inside a vehicle," per a press release from the department.

Upon their arrival, they found Joseph Boutros unconscious inside a vehicle, charging his cell phone. The vehicle was covered in snow and not running.

Boutros, a student at Salve Regina University, was transported by the Newport Fire Rescue to the Newport Hospital Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, the NPD said. He was 21.

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.

The same day, photos of the snowfall were posted to the city's official Facebook page, as officials asked residents to stay at home to allow a "multiday recovery and cleanup event."

According to the Mayo Clinic, carbon monoxide poisoning "occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the red blood cells. This can lead to serious tissue damage or even death."

"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.

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 obtained by PEOPLE after Boutros' death, "Our community mourns this tragic loss."

"Our hearts ache with Joseph's family, teammates, faculty, coaches, friends, and all who loved him," she continued. "May perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace."

According to the school's athletics website, Boutros was studying criminal justice and criminology and was an offensive lineman on the school's football team.

Never miss a story β€” sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"The Salve Football family mourns the passing of Joseph Boutros," the team said in a statement on X. "His contagious smile, selfless spirit, and the way he showed up for his brothers every day made our program better in every way. Forever a Seahawk. Forever family."

Read the original article on People