Here is what we know following the death of a security guard on an overnight shift in freezing conditions near a 2026 Winter Olympics venue.
A 55-year-old man tragically passed away while on duty at a construction site in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, just weeks ahead of the Games. This incident prompted authorities to launch an investigation.
As reported by NBC News, the guard collapsed under frigid conditions near Cortina’s ice arena, with temperatures plunging to approximately -12C (10.4F).
Italian officials suggest that the death might be due to natural causes, with Olympic organizers indicating that a heart attack was the likely cause.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities seek to understand the details surrounding his death.
Italy’s infrastructure minister, Matteo Salvini, has called for a comprehensive inquiry. Cortina city officials expressed being ‘deeply saddened and troubled’ by the loss.
It has been clarified by organizers that the construction site was not managed by Simico, the government-endorsed company in charge of delivering Olympic infrastructure.
The Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 mentioned that all documents at the site were in order and is waiting for further findings from the investigation.
This event occurs as Italy is gearing up to host the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics from February 6 to 22. This marks the nation’s first Winter Games since Turin 2006.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the Dolomites of northern Italy, will be the venue for curling, sliding sports, and women’s Alpine skiing.
Competitions will also be held in other locations such as Milan, Livigno, and Predazzo, making this event the most geographically expansive Winter Olympics yet.
The opening ceremony will be hosted at Milan’s San Siro stadium, with performances by tenor Andrea Bocelli and pop star Mariah Carey.
Mariah Carey shared the exciting news through an Instagram video, saying: “Ci vediamo a Milano!” which translates to “See you in Milan!”
The ceremony will also pay tribute to the esteemed Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at 91 in September.
This year’s Games will also see the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, a sport that combines skiing with mountain climbing and descents.
Furthermore, these will be the first Winter Olympics under the leadership of Kirsty Coventry, the newly appointed president of the International Olympic Committee as of 2025.
As the final preparations are underway, the tragic incident in Cortina has overshadowed the lead-up to the Games.