A security guard working at a construction site close to a 2026 Winter Olympic venue passed away during a night shift as temperatures fell to -12C. The 55-year-old worker suffered a fatal heart attack at Cortina d’Ampezzo mountain resort, where he was stationed near Cortina’s ice arena. Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, has urged for a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, initial reports suggest the cause of death was a heart attack and they are currently looking into the matter. Varnier mentioned that all documents were in order, awaiting the investigation’s outcome to determine the exact cause of the tragedy that occurred on-site.
Simico, the governmental body overseeing Olympic infrastructures, clarified that the site was not under their supervision and expressed condolences to the deceased worker’s family. City officials in Cortina expressed deep sorrow and concern over the worker’s passing.
Cold weather conditions can elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes. When temperatures drop, blood vessels contract, leading to increased heat loss and redirecting more blood to vital organs like the heart and brain. Individuals with cardiovascular issues are at higher risk as the heart works harder to circulate blood, increasing blood pressure. The British Heart Foundation issued a cautionary statement advising those with heart conditions to limit outdoor exposure during cold weather.
Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, emphasized the importance of preparing for colder temperatures by staying warm and getting a flu shot, especially for individuals living with heart conditions. 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. The Olympic territory in Cortina d’Ampezzo comprises the Cortina Sliding Centre, Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Village, and the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
The new Sliding Centre, named after Eugenio Monti, a two-time Olympic bobsleigh champion, is being enhanced for the 2026 games, where bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge competitions will take place.