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College president killed in shocking freak accident during tour of famous architect's home
A Brazilian college president was killed in a freak accident while on an architecture tour in Arizona.
Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, tragically died after he was struck by a chunk of material dislodged by strong winds at around 2PM on Friday (October 16), according to AZ Family.
Mateucci, who worked as the rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR) in Brazil, was on a group tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West home when the horrific incident occurred.
No foul play is suspected, and police are investigating the death as a weather-related accident, as the wind gusts had reached up to 32mph that fateful day.
Taliesin West was Wright’s winter home and desert laboratory from 1937 until his passing in 1959.
It is now the official headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
The foundation issued a statement about the president's untimely death on Facebook, which read: "The Foundation extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who died Friday, October 16, following an accident at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona.
"The Scottsdale Police Department is aware of the incident, and no further details will 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," they added.
The late academic, who had been PUCPR’s most senior official since 2022, held numerous degrees, including a doctorate from Fordham University in educational leadership.
"The University announces, with deep sorrow, the passing of the Magnificent Rector, Brother Rogério Renato Mateucci, which occurred on October 16, 2026, in Scottsdale, United States," Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná wrote alongside a picture of Mateucci on Instagram.
"As a sign of mourning, classes at the Curitiba, Londrina, and Toledo campuses are canceled on October 17th and 19th," the statement continued. "On Monday (October 19th), administrative work will also be suspended."
The university also announced that a Mass in remembrance of the professor was scheduled for Monday, with funeral arrangements to follow after his body has arrived in Brazil.
In a press release, the university spoke about Mateucci’s death in relation to the school’s Catholic beliefs.
"Death is a 'vigorous reality,' a reality that awakens us, compels us to become aware of our deepest values; a reality that invites us to create, to think, to seek meaning in our own lives," the university said in the news release. "And, for those who believe, life is not taken from us, but transformed.
“Therefore, united by faith in the resurrection, let us now join in prayer for our dearest Brother Rogério,” they concluded.
Our thoughts are with Mateucci's loved ones at this time.