Second victim of carbon monoxide poisoning named as Jessica Camilleri
The 41-year-old from St Paul's Bay worked at Aġenzija Appoġġ
A 41-year-old woman who was found dead in a car with popular DJ Ryan Spiteri has been named as Jessica Camilleri.
She lived in St Paul's Bay and worked at the government's family welfare agency Aġenzija Appoġġ.
She died on Tuesday from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in a Marsascala garage.
Investigators suspect the tragedy occurred while Spiteri and Camilleri were inside a parked car with the engine and air conditioning running, allowing the lethal, odourless gas to seep silently into the cabin through the vehicle's AC system.
Although the two were found dead together, Spiteri was named shortly after the discovery but Camilleri was only named on Wednesday afternoon.
Social media was soon flooded with tributes from relatives, friends and colleagues of the two victims.
"You will be missed dearest friend xxx condolences to your children and family whom you loved so much and cared about," one said.
Another said: "Rest in peace my dear friend. We had beautiful memories at ballet together".
Camilleri was identified after the police confirmed the cause of death on Wednesday, shortly after Times of Malta reported the victims had died of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
Investigators have ruled out foul play or third-party involvement, and are focusing on the car's air-conditioning system, which is often identified as a major risk factor in such deaths.
Magistrate Monica Borg Galea has opened an inquiry into the incident.
Tragedy shocks Malta
The news of the tragedy took Malta by storm and sparked widespread grief.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Robert Abela paid tribute to both victims. He described Spiteri as a humble and energetic person who brought joy to many through his music, while warning against harmful social media speculation.
Often dubbed the "silent killer", carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, and completely odourless gas. When a vehicle is left running inside a confined space like a closed garage, the gas can accumulate to lethal levels in as little as ten minutes.
Even with a garage door left partially open, heavy exhaust fumes can build up and be drawn directly into the car through the AC system.
Passengers could remain unaware of the threat as they experience rapid drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It is often too late by the time they realise something is wrong.