A security guard at a construction site close to a 2026 Winter Olympic venue passed away while on duty as temperatures plummeted to -12C. The 55-year-old worker suffered a fatal heart attack at Cortina d’Ampezzo mountain resort, near the ice arena. Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to authorities, the CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, Andrea Varnier, stated that initial reports suggest the cause of death was a heart attack, classified as a natural occurrence pending further investigation. Simico, the overseeing body for Olympic infrastructure, confirmed that the site was not under its supervision and expressed condolences to the deceased worker’s family. Cortina city officials conveyed their deep sorrow over the tragic event.
Severe cold weather can heighten the risk of heart attacks or strokes due to restricted blood vessels and increased strain on the heart. Individuals with cardiovascular issues are particularly vulnerable in such conditions. The British Heart Foundation issued a cautionary statement urging people with heart conditions to limit exposure to cold weather and take necessary precautions.
The upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, scheduled for February 6-22, will feature various events at the Cortina ice arena, including curling, sliding, and women’s Alpine skiing. Notably, the new Sliding Centre, named after two-time Olympic bobsleigh champion Eugenio Monti, is being revamped for the 2026 games to host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge competitions.