Carl Gooder, a former PN MP, died on Tuesday, just two days after announcing his intention to run for party secretary.
His body was found in Valletta, near the former customs house. There is no suspicion of foul play in the death investigation.
Gooder's death was announced by PN leader Bernard Grech in a Facebook post. He sent his condolences to Goder's family and friends, and asked that they consider their privacy during this difficult time.
A week after incumbent Michael Piccinino announced he would step down to contest the party's election, Ghader, 45, indicated in comments to The Times of Malta last Sunday that he was interested in the post of PN secretary-general.
For most of his career, Ghader served as Piccinino's right-hand man and as the chief operating officer of the PN's communications division. In addition, he played a key role in organizing the local council and MEP campaigns in 2024.
Before that it served as St. Mayor of Julian and as a PN MP for six years in three legislatures. He completed his studies at Stella Maris and St. Aloysius College, graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 2001. He was a member of the National Youth Council (KNZ) and President of the University Student Council (KSU) while a student.
He was known for his positive outlook on life, but he was also a keen athlete who loved to go for long runs. An insider from one of the parties noted that Ghader called together every employee of Dar Central when he announced his candidacy for PN general secretary.
Political circles, where he was highly respected, were shocked when they learned of his passing. Roberta Matsula, the president of the European Parliament, expressed her “devastation” when she heard the news. In a statement, the Labor Party expressed its condolences to the Gooder family. Prime Minister Robert Abella shared his sadness on Facebook, recalling that he had known Gader since they were in school.
