Brazilian university rector killed by roof debris at Taliesin West in Scottsdale
In short
Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, rector of Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, was killed on Friday at about 2 p.m. when strong winds tore roofing from Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona. Officials described it as a weather-related accident, and a Scottsdale police official said no foul play is suspected. The property is closed to the public until further notice.
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Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, the rector of Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, died after being struck in the head by roofing material while touring Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Seattle Times reported that the Scottsdale Arizona Fire Department said strong winds ripped off part of the roofing and that he died instantly. The incident happened at about 2 p.m. on Friday. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Wind warnings had been issued across the Southwest on Friday, according to the Seattle Times. At Scottsdale Airport, strong winds were reported all day, with gusts as high as 32 mph around 2 p.m. The New York Post, citing AZ Family, said officials were labeling the death a weather-related accident. Fox News reported that a Scottsdale police official confirmed this and said no foul play is suspected. Police said the man was reportedly killed instantly and was pronounced dead at the scene. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation extended its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mateucci. Its CEO, Joe Spector, told Fox News Digital that no further details would be shared out of respect for privacy and to allow officials to complete their work. The property is closed to the public until further notice. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Mateucci was a Brother of the Catholic order of the Marists. His university said in a statement that he was hit in the head by an acrylic object, a description that differs from the roofing material cited by other outlets. The university canceled classes, announced a Mass in his memory on Monday and said funeral arrangements would follow once his body is repatriated to Brazil. [ 2 , 3 ]
The New York Post, citing the Brazilian outlet G1, reported that Mateucci had been the university's most senior head since 2022 and held a doctorate in educational leadership from Fordham University. In a separate report, the Post said friends of Mateucci were demanding answers and quoted a friend as saying security measures must be taken because it is a public place. [ 3 , 5 ]
The Seattle Times said Taliesin West was built in 1937 as a winter retreat and a place of architectural study for Wright and his students, and is a World Heritage site and a National Historic Landmark. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The death has closed a Frank Lloyd Wright property to visitors until further notice. A friend of the rector quoted by the New York Post said security measures must be taken at a public place.
Key facts
- Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, rector of Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, died after being struck in the head by roofing material at Taliesin West. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- He was hit at about 2 p.m. on Friday while on a tour, as strong winds blew roofing off the building. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Wind gusts reached as high as 32 mph around 2 p.m. at Scottsdale Airport. [ 2 ]
- Police said the man was reportedly killed instantly and was pronounced dead at the scene. [ 4 ]
- A Scottsdale police official said the accident was weather-related and no foul play is suspected. [ 4 ]
- Taliesin West is closed to the public until further notice. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The Brazilian university canceled classes and announced a Mass in his memory. [ 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Mateucci, a visiting Brazilian university rector, was struck by roof debris and killed at Taliesin West in Scottsdale at about 2 p.m. on Friday during strong winds. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Taliesin West is closed to the public until further notice. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation expressed condolences to his family and loved ones. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Wind gusts of up to 32 mph were reported at the time. [ 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- What exactly struck Mateucci. The university said he was hit by an acrylic object, while other outlets describe a piece of roofing or roofing material.
- Whether any review of security or safety at the site will follow. A friend quoted by the New York Post said security measures must be taken, but the documents give no response from the foundation or officials on this.
- How many days of classes the university canceled. One outlet says classes were canceled Monday, another says Saturday through Monday.
- Further details of the accident. The foundation's CEO said no further details will be shared out of respect for privacy and to allow officials to complete their work.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Mateucci is struck by roofing blown off Taliesin West during strong winds, on a Friday. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The New York Times publishes its report on the death. [ 1 ]
- Fox News publishes a report quoting a Scottsdale police official and the foundation's CEO (on 20 October). [ 4 ]
- The Associated Press publishes its report (on 21 October). [ 6 ]