A security officer at a building site close to 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 where he was stationed near Cortina’s ice arena. Italian Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini has demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident.
According to Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, initial reports indicate the cause of death was a heart attack, classified as a natural occurrence, with ongoing investigations to ascertain specifics. The site’s documentation was reportedly in order, awaiting the investigation’s findings. Simico, the governmental body overseeing Olympic infrastructure, clarified that the location was not under its direct supervision while expressing condolences to the deceased worker’s family. Officials from Cortina city conveyed deep sorrow over the worker’s tragic demise.
Cold weather can heighten the risk of heart attacks or strokes due to the constriction of blood vessels in extremities, leading to increased heat loss and blood redirection to vital organs like the heart and brain. Individuals with cardiovascular issues face heightened susceptibility to heart-related emergencies during temperature drops as blood pressure rises, necessitating increased heart effort to circulate blood. The British Heart Foundation recently cautioned about the hazards of cold weather for individuals with heart conditions, advising them to limit outdoor exposure.
Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, emphasized the heightened risks of heart attacks and strokes in cold temperatures, underscoring the importance of preparedness for individuals with heart ailments during winter, including 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. Notable locations within the Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympic territory include the Cortina Sliding Centre, Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Village, and the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
The newly constructed Sliding Centre, situated on the historical track grounds named after Eugenio Monti, a two-time Olympic bobsleigh champion, will host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge competitions for the 2026 games following redevelopment efforts.