A security guard working at a construction site for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, tragically died on January 8, 2026. The guard, a 55-year-old man whose name has not been disclosed, was on duty during the overnight shift when he succumbed to sub-freezing temperatures, which reportedly dropped to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Authorities have indicated that the official cause of death was a heart attack.
Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, addressed the media, stating, “The information we have is that it was a death by natural cause, it was a heart attack. And we are investigating.” She emphasized that all documentation for the guard’s work was in order and expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would clarify the circumstances surrounding his death.
Government Response and Investigation
The incident has drawn attention from Italian officials, including Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, who is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the worker’s untimely demise. City officials in Cortina expressed their sorrow, describing the incident as deeply saddening and troubling.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to commence with the opening ceremony on February 6, 2026, and will run until February 22, 2026. As preparations continue, there are growing concerns regarding the readiness of key venues, particularly the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which has faced construction delays.
Construction Delays and Future Events
The Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which will host hockey events during the Olympics, has been at the center of controversy after reports surfaced in November indicating that construction was behind schedule. Andrea Francisi, chief officer for the Winter Games, stated that “there is no plan B” should the arena not be ready in time, though he expressed confidence in its completion.
The arena is scheduled to host its first Olympic event—a women’s preliminary round match—on February 5, 2026, just a day before the opening ceremony. Recently, the arena experienced a hiccup during a test event when a hole developed in front of one of the goals, causing a delay that was reported by The Athletic.
Despite these challenges, Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice president of high performance, conveyed optimism about the upcoming games, remarking, “The games are going to be great… We can adapt to all of those things.” He highlighted the importance of providing a space for families and fans to gather and enjoy the competition.
As the investigation into the guard’s death unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and readiness of the Olympic venues in anticipation of the games.
