The police are in the dark over what caused the death of a man from Valletta yesterday morning.

Gerald Mallia, 25, was found lying unconscious in his Mazda 626 in St Frederick Street, Valletta after the police received an anonymous call informing them of his state at about 5.15 a.m.

Mr Mallia, known as Jerry, was rushed to hospital where he died shortly afterwards.

The police have described the death as mysterious. An autopsy, which will probably be held today, may shed light on it. A police spokesman said nothing is being ruled out until then.

Mr Mallia had written on a social networking website that his ideal way of dying would be in his sleep.

A magisterial inquiry and a police investigation are underway.