A security guard stationed at a building site close to a location designated for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games passed away during a night shift in sub-zero temperatures. The 55-year-old employee suffered a fatal heart attack at the Cortina d’Ampezzo mountain resort, where he was working near the ice arena in Cortina. Italy’s Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini has urged for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The CEO of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, Andrea Varnier, disclosed that preliminary information suggests the cause of death was a heart attack, emphasizing that all required documentation was in order. He mentioned that further investigation is necessary to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the tragic event. Simico, the governmental body overseeing Olympic infrastructure, clarified that the construction site was not under their supervision and expressed condolences to the deceased worker’s family. Officials from Cortina city conveyed their deep sadness and concern over the loss.
Severe cold weather can heighten the risk of heart attacks and strokes. When temperatures plummet, blood vessels contract in extremities, causing increased heat loss and redirecting blood flow to vital organs, including the heart and brain. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions are at a higher risk due to elevated blood pressure as the heart works harder to circulate blood throughout the body. The British Heart Foundation recently issued a warning, advising people with heart ailments to minimize outdoor exposure during cold weather.
Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, emphasized the importance of preparing individuals with heart conditions for winter by staying warm and receiving flu vaccinations. The upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled for February 6-22, featuring 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, Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Village, and the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
The newly constructed Sliding Centre, named after the renowned Olympic bobsleigh champion Eugenio Monti, will host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge events during the 2026 games. The center is undergoing redevelopment in preparation for the upcoming Winter Olympics.