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, a mountain resort, as confirmed by officials. He was engaged in construction activities near the ice arena in Cortina. Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, has urged a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the guard’s demise.
Andrea Varnier, the CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, stated to the press during a test event at Milan’s latest hockey arena that preliminary information indicates the guard’s demise was due to a heart attack, categorized as a natural cause. Varnier emphasized that all documentation was in order, awaiting the investigation to ascertain the specific cause leading to the unfortunate incident while the guard was on-site.
Simico, the governmental entity overseeing Olympic infrastructure, clarified that the construction site was not under its direct supervision and expressed condolences to the deceased guard’s family. Local authorities in Cortina expressed deep sorrow and concern over the worker’s passing.
Extreme cold weather can elevate the risk of heart attacks or strokes. When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, leading to increased heat loss and a redirection of blood flow to vital organs, including the heart and brain. Individuals with cardiovascular issues are at higher risk as blood pressure rises due to the heart working harder to circulate blood throughout the body. The British Heart Foundation recently cautioned about the hazards of cold weather, advising those with heart conditions to limit outdoor exposure.
Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, emphasized the heightened risk of heart attacks and strokes in cold temperatures for individuals with cardiovascular disease. She stressed the importance of adequate preparation, such as dressing warmly and receiving the flu vaccine, for those living with heart conditions during winter.
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 d’Ampezzo Olympic and Paralympic Village, and the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
The newly constructed Sliding Centre, named after the legendary Eugenio Monti, a bobsleigh champion, will host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge events during the 2026 games after redevelopment.