DJ Ryan Spiteri and woman died from carbon monoxide poisoning, death considered accidental

Popular DJ and radio host Ryan Spiteri and a woman, who were found dead inside a car in Marsaskala on Tuesday night, succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, the police have confirmed.

The death is being considered accidental by investigators although the magisterial inquiry is still ongoing. The results of the autopsy showed the pair died of carbon monoxide poisoning, a police statement on Wednesday morning said. The gas is emitted from car exhaust.

The incident was reported to the police at around 9pm on Tuesday. Spiteri and the woman were found inside a red car inside a one-car garage on Triq Salvu Buhagiar in the Bella Vista area. The car had its AC on and was idling. The circumstances in which the pair were found suggested that the deaths were accidental.

It is understood that carbon monoxide from the exhaust built up in the garage and was sucked into the car by the aircondition unit. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer since it is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Exposure can cause symptoms including drowsiness and confusion that ultimately lead to loss of consciousness.

Civil Protection had to be called on sight to pull the car out of the small garage but the pair had already passed away by then.

Spiteri was 47 years-old and the woman from St Paul's Bay was 41.

Police said the possibility of third-party involvement has been ruled out.

Magistrate Monica Borg Galea is leading an inquiry into the deaths.