A security guard working at a construction site close to a venue designated for the 2026 Winter Olympics passed away during a night shift when temperatures plummeted to -12C. The 55-year-old employee suffered a fatal heart attack at the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, adjacent to Cortina’s ice arena. Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, has urged a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to the CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, Andrea Varnier, preliminary information suggests the cause of death was a heart attack. Varnier mentioned that all necessary documentation was in order, and further investigation is in progress to determine the exact circumstances. Simico, the governmental body overseeing Olympic infrastructure, clarified that the site was not under its supervision and extended condolences to the deceased guard’s family. Cortina city officials expressed deep sorrow over the worker’s tragic demise.
Extreme cold weather can heighten the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In low temperatures, blood vessels contract, increasing the workload on the heart to circulate blood efficiently, particularly affecting individuals with cardiovascular conditions. The British Heart Foundation recently warned about the dangers of cold weather for heart patients, advising them to limit outdoor exposure.
Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, emphasized the importance of heart patients preparing for winter by staying warm and getting their flu vaccinations. The upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, scheduled for February 6-22, will feature various events at the Cortina ice arena, such as curling, sliding, and women’s Alpine skiing. The Olympic territory in Cortina d’Ampezzo includes the Cortina Sliding Centre, Olympic and Paralympic Village, and the Curling Olympic Stadium.
The newly constructed Sliding Centre, named after Eugenio Monti, a legendary bobsleigh champion, will host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge events during the 2026 games.