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Tourist Killed by Flying Debris at Historic Landmark
20 Oct
Summary
- A Brazilian rector died when roofing material hit him during a tour.
- The fatal incident occurred at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West.
- Strong winds caused the roofing material to detach and strike the victim.
A Brazilian university rector, Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, tragically died last Friday afternoon at Taliesin West, the famed architectural landmark designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. He was fatally struck in the head by a piece of roofing material that was dislodged by strong winds.
Mateucci, the rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, was on a walking tour of the property with others when the accident happened around 2 p.m. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation confirmed the incident and extended condolences. The Scottsdale Police Department is investigating but has stated that no foul play is suspected, attributing the event to weather conditions.
Taliesin West, built in 1937 and serving as Wright's winter home and studio, is now closed to the public until further notice. The university announced Mateucci's death with profound sadness, canceling classes and suspending operations to mourn him.
