A security guard stationed at a construction site close to a venue for the 2026 Winter Olympics passed away while on duty as temperatures plunged to -12C. The 55-year-old worker suffered a fatal heart attack at Cortina d’Ampezzo’s mountain resort, where he was employed near the ice arena. Italian Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to Andrea Varnier, the CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, initial reports suggest the cause of death was a heart attack, and an inquiry is ongoing. Varnier stated that all documentation was in order, and they are awaiting the investigation results to determine the specific cause. Simico, the governmental body overseeing Olympic infrastructure, mentioned that the site was not under its supervision and expressed condolences to the deceased worker’s family. City officials in Cortina expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event.
Cold weather can heighten the risk of heart attacks or strokes due to the body’s response to dropping temperatures. Blood vessels constrict, causing increased blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain, which can strain individuals with cardiovascular issues. The British Heart Foundation recently issued a cautionary advisory about cold weather dangers, advising those with heart conditions to limit outdoor exposure.
Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, emphasized the importance of preparing for cold weather, especially for individuals with heart conditions, by staying warm and getting a flu vaccination. 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 will encompass the Sliding Centre, Olympic and Paralympic Village, and Curling Olympic Stadium.
The newly constructed Sliding Centre, named after Eugenio Monti, a renowned Olympic bobsleigh champion, will host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge events. The center is undergoing redevelopment in preparation for the 2026 Winter Games.