Security Guard Dies at 2026 Winter Olympics Construction Site

A security guard tragically died while on duty at a construction site for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred on January 8, 2026, amid sub-freezing temperatures that dipped to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. The official cause of death has been identified as a heart attack, according to Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.

Varnier addressed the media during a test event at the new hockey arena in Milan, 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 necessary documentation was in order and that investigators are looking into the specifics surrounding the death.

The unnamed guard, aged 55, passed away outside the ice arena where work is ongoing to prepare for the games. The news has drawn attention to the working conditions at the Olympic site, prompting calls for a comprehensive investigation from Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini.

Concerns Over Olympic Venue Construction

The incident highlights mounting concerns regarding the readiness of the Olympic venues. The Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which is slated to host hockey events during the games, has faced criticism for construction delays since reports emerged in November that progress was behind schedule.

Andrea Francisi, chief officer for the Winter Games, affirmed to the Associated Press that “there is no plan B” if the venue is not completed in time, but expressed confidence in its readiness. “So necessarily we have to be able to organize the competition in an impeccable manner at Santagiulia,” he said.

The arena is set to host its first Olympic contest on February 5, 2026, a women’s preliminary round matchup, just one day before the official opening ceremony on February 6, 2026.

Test Events and Future Preparations

Just prior to the guard’s death, the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena hosted a test event on January 9, 2026. The event faced complications when a hole appeared in front of one of the goals, causing a delay during the first period. Despite these challenges, Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice president of high performance and hockey operations, expressed optimism about the upcoming games.

He remarked, “The games are going to be great. Like every Olympics, there are challenges with what happens outside of the game, but we’re Canadian. People grew up in small towns and small rinks, outdoor rinks. We can adapt to all of those things.”

As preparations continue for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of ensuring safe working conditions for all involved in this prestigious event. Cortina city officials expressed their condolences, stating they are “deeply saddened and troubled by the death.” The incident is expected to prompt further scrutiny of construction practices and worker safety at Olympic venues as the event approaches.