MILAN — Tragic Death of Security Guard at Olympic Construction Site

Authorities confirmed on Saturday that a security guard working at a construction site near the 2026 Winter Olympics venue in Cortina d’Ampezzo died during a cold night shift.

Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, has called for an in-depth investigation regarding the circumstances surrounding the 55-year-old worker’s death.

Reports indicate the worker passed away on Thursday while stationed at a site near an ice arena. That night, temperatures plummeted to -12 degrees Celsius (10.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Organizers of the Milan-Cortina event have stated the cause of death was a heart attack. Andrea Varnier, CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, remarked while attending a related event at Milan’s new hockey stadium that “the information we have suggests it was a natural death.”

Varnier noted, “All necessary documents were in order, and we are currently investigating to determine the specific cause. The information from emergency services so far indicates it occurred while he was on site.”

The Winter Olympics are set to take place from February 6th to 22nd, and it has been mentioned that the construction site where the incident occurred is not overseen by Simico, the government entity tasked with Olympic infrastructure. In a statement, the company expressed its condolences over the loss.

Cortina city officials expressed their deep sadness and concern regarding the incident, stating that the city will host curling, sliding, and women’s alpine skiing events.