PUC-PR Rector Dies at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West During Guided Tour in Arizona

Rogério Renato Mateucci, rector of the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUC-PR), was killed on Friday, 15 October, while touring Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's former home and studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. According to the Scottsdale Fire Department, debris fell from the roof around 2 p.m. local time during strong winds as Mateucci took part in a group visit; the death was ruled accidental and tied to weather conditions. The National Weather Service had placed the area under a weather alert that day, recording easterly winds of roughly 35 km/h with gusts reaching 51 km/h. No other injuries were reported among the tour participants. Local outlet AZ Family identified the victim. Joe Spector, executive director of the foundation that operates the site, offered condolences to Mateucci's family and friends in a statement to AZ Family. In an Instagram post, the institution said the Scottsdale Police were aware of the incident and that the property would stay closed to the public until further notice, adding that no further details would be released out of respect for those involved and while staff completed related procedures. Wright built Taliesin West in 1937 and lived there until his death in 1959. The complex spans about 491 acres and served as his residence and studio. In 1940 the Museum of Modern Art in New York presented an exhibition related to the architectural ensemble, and in 1947 photographs of its structures were also shown.