A tragic accident claimed the life of a tourist visiting an architectural landmark last week. Authorities reported that Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, died after a piece of roofing material struck him at Taliesin West, a site designed by the eminent architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The accident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. when strong winds dislodged roofing material, leading to the fatal incident. Mateucci, the rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, was on a tour of Taliesin West when the accident happened.
Frank Lloyd Wright built Taliesin West in 1937. According to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the property is currently closed to the public. Joe Spector, CEO of the foundation, expressed his condolences to Mateucci’s family.
The Scottsdale Police Department confirmed awareness of the incident, stating that out of respect for privacy, no further details would be disclosed for now.
A police spokesperson affirmed that Mateucci died instantly and was pronounced dead at the scene. Reports indicate he was on a walking tour when the accident occurred. Investigators found no foul play, attributing the incident to weather-related causes.
The university expressed its profound sadness over Mateucci’s death in an Instagram post. Classes were canceled at three campuses as the institution mourned his loss. Vice Rector Vidal Martins described Mateucci as a kind and religious man deeply interested in arts and architecture.
Frank Lloyd Wright, highly revered in American architectural history, designed Taliesin West as a winter home and studio. His notable works include Fallingwater in Pennsylvania and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. The Scottsdale Police Department continues to investigate, with no suspicion of criminal intent.
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