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. He was stationed close to Cortina’s ice arena. Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, has urged for a thorough inquiry into the incident.
“The available information indicates that the death was due to natural causes, specifically a heart attack. We are currently investigating,” stated Andrea Varnier, the CEO of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, during a press briefing at Milan’s new hockey arena.
Simico, the governmental organization overseeing Olympic projects, clarified that the site was not under its supervision and conveyed condolences to the deceased worker’s family. Officials from Cortina city expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
Cold weather poses an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. When temperatures drop, blood vessels narrow, causing more blood to flow to vital organs like the heart and brain. Individuals with cardiovascular issues are more vulnerable as their blood pressure rises, straining the heart. The British Heart Foundation recently cautioned 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 flu shots. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled for February 6-22, with 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, Olympic and Paralympic Village, and the Curling Olympic Stadium.
The new Sliding Centre, named after Eugenio Monti, a two-time Olympic bobsleigh champion, is being revamped for the upcoming games to host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge competitions.