Guard dies in bitter cold before winter Olympics

Preparations for Italy’s Winter Olympics have been disrupted following the death of a security guard during an overnight shift at a mountain venue in the Alps. The incident occurred just weeks before the Games are due to begin, raising questions about safety oversight during the final stages of construction.

Incident during overnight security shift

According to the Daily Mail, 55 year old security guard Pietro Zantonini died while working at an ice rink in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a key location for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. He was on duty during the night as temperatures fell to around minus 16 degrees Celsius.

Italian media reported that Zantonini began to feel unwell at approximately 2am and contacted colleagues to ask for help. Emergency services were alerted and an ambulance was sent to the site, but he was pronounced dead shortly after they arrived. Investigators later said he collapsed outdoors in the snow.

Cause of death and official response

Initial findings indicate that Zantonini died from a heart attack. Andrea Varnier, chief executive of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, told reporters that authorities were treating the death as the result of natural causes while inquiries continue.

Read also: Inside the dressing room before Josh Cavallo came out

Italy’s infrastructure minister Matteo Salvini has called for a full and rigorous investigation. Prosecutors are now examining whether the extreme cold contributed to the incident or whether factors such as shift organisation and workplace conditions may have played a role.

Questions over working conditions

According to reporting by Italian outlets cited by the Daily Mail, Zantonini worked from a small guard booth that was heated with a portable heater and was required to leave the shelter at regular intervals to patrol the construction area throughout the night.

His family said he had previously expressed concerns about his working environment. In a statement, they said he was working outdoors during particularly harsh weather conditions and had frequently complained about the demands of the job.

The infrastructure company Simico offered condolences to the family but said the construction site was not under its direct responsibility. The company added that it would await the conclusions of the official investigation.

Read also: Alonso tops early Liverpool succession talk

A spotlight on Olympic site safety

The Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, with Cortina d’Ampezzo hosting several events. As preparations enter their final phase, the death has drawn renewed attention to labour conditions and safety standards at Olympic venues operating in extreme winter environments.

Sources: Daily Mail, Italian media

Read also: First openly gay men’s footballer accuses former club of homophobia