A man and a woman were found dead in a parked car in Marsaskala on Tuesday night, the police said on Wednesday morning.

The police have excluded that third parties were involved in the case, and in a statement later on Wednesday said that autopsies had revealed that the two victims died as a result of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

The police were informed of the case at around 9pm, and officers found a man and a woman inside a car which was parked in a garage in Triq Salvu Buhagiar.

A medical team was alerted and the two were certified dead on the scene.

The police said that they have been identified as a 47-year-old man of Zabbar and a 41-year-old woman of St Paul's Bay.

The dead man has been identified as popular DJ Ryan Spiteri, while the woman was later identified as social worker Jessica Camilleri.

A magisterial inquiry led by Magistrate Monica Borg Galea has been launched and police investigations are ongoing.

Carbon monoxide poisoning, often known as the silent killer, occurs when individuals inhale this dangerous, odourless, colourless, and tasteless gas. Because the gas cannot be detected through the senses, victims are frequently unaware of their exposure until they begin experiencing the onset of symptoms, at which point the situation may already be critical.

Once inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream and binds to red blood cells, effectively hijacking the cardiovascular system. This process prevents the cells from transporting necessary oxygen, which leads to the rapid starvation of vital organs, especially the heart and brain.

This accumulation can occur with alarming speed. For instance, if a vehicle is left running inside a closed or partially closed garage, lethal levels of carbon monoxide can build up in as little as ten minutes. Even if the garage door is left slightly open, hazardous exhaust fumes can gather. Furthermore, if a vehicle's air conditioning is running, it may draw the contaminated air directly into the cabin.

Initial exposure often manifests as drowsiness and confusion. As the concentration of the gas increases, individuals may lose consciousness, rendering them unable to turn off the engine or escape the area, further increasing the risk of a fatal outcome.

Prime Minister Robert Abela paid tribute to Spiteri saying that he had brought happiness to many people through his music and that he could see a person who was full of humility and energy.

He said that his thoughts are with Spiteri’s family, relatives, friends, and those who knew him and loved him.

Abela also added that this tragedy should serve as a reminder of the responsibility that everyone has in how they use their words, especially on social media. “Before any type of speculation, we need to think about the impact that our words can have on families who are going through the most difficult moments,” he said.

“In moments like these, the truth, respect, and sense of humanity should come above all else,” he added.