A guard at a construction site near the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in **Cortina d’Ampezzo** died during an overnight shift in subfreezing temperatures. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred on **Thursday**, with the worker, aged **55**, succumbing to what has been identified as a heart attack.
**Italy’s Infrastructure Minister**, **Matteo Salvini**, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the worker’s death. Reports indicate that temperatures at the construction site dropped to **minus 12 degrees Celsius** (10.4 degrees Fahrenheit) that night, raising concerns about worker safety during extreme weather conditions.
The **Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026**, responsible for the Olympics’ organization, confirmed the nature of the death. According to **Andrea Varnier**, CEO of the foundation, “The information we have is that it was a death by natural cause, it was a heart attack. And we are investigating.” Varnier noted that all documentation related to the worker’s employment was in order and expressed condolences over the tragic event.
As details continue to emerge, Varnier emphasized the importance of understanding the specific circumstances that led to the incident. “At the moment, the information we have from the emergency services is it was a death caused by natural causes… while he was on site,” he stated during a test event at the new hockey arena in **Milan**.
The construction site where the worker died was not managed by **Simico**, the governmental body overseeing Olympic infrastructure. Simico released a statement expressing its condolences and support for the affected family.
City officials in Cortina d’Ampezzo have expressed their sorrow, stating they are “deeply saddened and troubled by the death.” The municipality is committed to ensuring the safety of all workers involved in the Olympic preparations.
The **Milan Cortina Winter Olympics** are scheduled to take place from **February 6 to 22, 2026**, featuring events in curling, sliding, and women’s Alpine skiing. As the investigation unfolds, organizers are expected to review safety protocols to prevent future incidents and ensure the well-being of all workers involved in the preparations for this international event.
