A security guard at a construction site near a venue for the 2026 Winter Olympics passed away during a night shift as temperatures plummeted to -12C. The 55-year-old worker suffered a fatal heart attack at the Cortina d’Ampezzo mountain resort, close to Cortina’s ice arena. Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, has urged for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Authorities confirmed that the cause of death was a heart attack, described as a natural occurrence by Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, during a press briefing at a test event at Milan’s new hockey arena. Varnier mentioned that all documentation was in order, awaiting the investigation’s findings on the specific cause of the tragedy.
Simico, the governmental body overseeing Olympic infrastructure, clarified that the site was not under its supervision while expressing condolences to the deceased’s family. Cortina city officials expressed deep sorrow over the worker’s passing.
Cold weather can elevate the risk of heart attacks or strokes. When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, diverting more blood to vital organs like the heart and brain, potentially increasing the strain on the cardiovascular system. Individuals with heart conditions are particularly vulnerable, as highlighted by the British Heart Foundation’s recent warning advising caution and minimizing outdoor exposure for those at risk.
According to Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, people with cardiovascular diseases should take precautions during cold weather, including staying warm and getting the flu vaccine. 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 includes the Cortina Sliding Centre, Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Village, and the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
The newly constructed Sliding Centre, named after Eugenio Monti, a renowned bobsleigh champion, will host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge competitions. The facilities are being revamped in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics.