Rogério Renato Mateucci was touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West when roofing material dislodged by strong winds struck him.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rogério Renato Mateucci, the rector of a Brazilian university, died Friday after roofing material blown loose by strong winds struck him while he was touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic Taliesin West property in Scottsdale, authorities said.
The accident happened around 2 p.m. Oct. 16 while Mateucci was taking part in a walking tour with a group, according to the Scottsdale Fire Department. Emergency crews responded to the property near Cactus Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, where Mateucci was pronounced dead. Police said they were treating the death as a weather-related accident and did not suspect foul play.
Mateucci, 55, was rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, known as PUCPR, in Brazil. The university confirmed his death and said he had been in Scottsdale when the accident occurred. The Paraná state government said he was traveling for work. Mateucci had led PUCPR since 2022 and was a member of the Marist Brothers.
Strong winds were affecting the Scottsdale area at the time. The National Weather Service had issued a wind advisory for the area Friday, warning of breezy conditions and gusts that could reach about 30 to 40 mph in parts of Scottsdale. Arizona’s Family reported that winds near the time of the accident were from the east at about 22 mph, with gusts reaching 32 mph.
Authorities said roofing material was dislodged by the wind and struck Mateucci during the tour. Other members of the group were not reported injured. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office was expected to determine the official cause of death. Police continued handling the incident as an accidental death related to the weather.
Taliesin West closed to the public after the accident and remained closed until further notice Saturday. Joe Spector, CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, expressed condolences to Mateucci’s family and loved ones and said the organization would not release additional details while authorities completed their work.
The desert property was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and became his winter home and architectural laboratory beginning in 1937. Located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, Taliesin West later became a National Historic Landmark and serves as the home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. It is one of the Scottsdale area’s best-known historic attractions and regularly hosts guided tours.
PUCPR announced mourning measures after Mateucci’s death. Classes at its Curitiba, Londrina and Toledo campuses were canceled for Oct. 17 and Oct. 19, and administrative activities were also set to be suspended Monday. The university said a memorial Mass would be held Monday at the Jesus the Master University Chapel and streamed online.
The university said funeral arrangements would be announced after Mateucci’s body was returned to Brazil. Brazilian education institutions and government officials issued statements mourning his death and recognizing his work in higher education. The Paraná state government described him as an educator who had worked closely with the academic community and public institutions.
Taliesin West remained closed Saturday as officials continued their work following the fatal accident. No criminal activity was suspected, and the medical examiner had not yet publicly released a final determination on the cause and manner of Mateucci’s death.
Author note: Last updated October 17, 2026.