Security Guard Dies at Future Olympic Venue Construction Site
Italian authorities confirmed a tragic death at a construction site linked to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. A 55-year-old security guard passed away during a bitterly cold overnight shift near the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, a key venue for the Games.
The incident occurred on Thursday, but confirmation from officials came on Saturday. Temperatures in the area plummeted to a harsh minus 12 degrees Celsius (10.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on the night the worker was on duty at the site, which is located near Cortina's ice arena.
Investigation Launched into Circumstances
Italy's Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, has demanded a full investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the worker's death. Initial reports from the Milan Cortina 2026 organizing committee stated the man suffered a fatal heart attack.
Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, addressed the media at a test event in Milan. "The information we have is that it was a death by natural cause, it was a heart attack. And we are investigating," Varnier stated. He added that all site documentation was in order and they are awaiting the investigation's findings to understand the specific cause.
The governmental company responsible for Olympic infrastructure, Simico, clarified in a statement that the construction site was not under its direct oversight. The company expressed its condolences for the loss.
Community and Olympic Preparations
Local officials in Cortina d'Ampezzo said they were "deeply saddened and troubled by the death." The resort town is scheduled to host several Olympic events, including curling, sliding sports, and women's Alpine skiing during the Winter Games, set for February 6-22, 2026.
This incident casts a shadow over the ongoing preparations for the major international sporting event and raises questions about worker safety, particularly in extreme environmental conditions. The investigation led by Italian authorities will seek to provide answers in the coming days.
