Police have confirmed Carter, 40, was discovered in bushes by a passer-by in Stretford, Manchester, late on the day of his disappearance and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
I'm sure Newcastle fans would would like put all rivalry to one side, and offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the former Sunderland goalkeeper.
A man who is regarded in the north-east as "a true gentleman".
Former Sunderland skipper: Gary Bennett: "Everyone is mystified. Once we know the ins and outs of what has happened we may know what triggered this. It's a big shock to me at the moment."
Carter played 50 games for the Wearsiders between 1987 and 1992.