A manslaughter investigation has been initiated following the tragic death of Pietro Zantonini, a 55-year-old security guard, who collapsed while on duty at the construction site for the Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympic ice rink. His family has raised concerns that the extreme working conditions, including freezing temperatures down to -12°C, and long shifts contributed to his death, despite a post-mortem indicating a heart attack as the primary cause.

Zantonini's family asserts that he had previously voiced concerns regarding his working conditions, which they believe were inadequate for ensuring the safety and well-being of workers at the site. They argue that proper safety protocols and protections were not in place, which could have potentially prevented this tragic occurrence. The situation underlines the urgency for stricter safety regulations, particularly for workers involved in high-stakes events like the Winter Olympics.

The implications of this investigation extend beyond Zantonini's tragic death, as it raises broader questions about the treatment of workers in the construction industry, particularly in extreme weather conditions. As the Winter Olympics approach, the findings of this investigation may prompt new discussions about labor rights and the responsibilities of employers in ensuring worker safety, especially in light of public scrutiny related to large international events like the Olympics.