Brazilian university boss killed in freak accident while touring Frank Lloyd Wright Arizona home after piece of metal was blown off roof by winds and struck him

DAILYMAIL.COM • 1h ago

By LAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER 19:31 19 Oct 2026, updated 19:48 19 Oct 2026

A top Brazilian university official died in a freak accident while on a walking tour of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic Arizona home.

Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, was killed after roofing material was blown loose by strong winds on Friday afternoon at the home located in Scottsdale.

Mateucci, the rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), had been with the tour group at Wright’s historic Taliesin West home when the metal flew at him.

The Scottsdale Fire Department said that the university rector, one of the highest ranking university positions, died instantly from the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Winds reached speeds of around 22 mph in Scottsdale on Friday afternoon, with gusts of up to 32 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

PUCPR announced that classes on Saturday and Monday would be cancelled, and a memorial Mass would be held to honor Mateucci at the University Chapel.

The Marist Network, a Catholic nonprofit institution, said that Mateucci had dedicated his life to education and the ‘Marista mission.’

‘He worked as an educator and administrator, and in recent years, he led PUCPR with dedication, openness to dialogue and commitment to the University’s identity,’ the organization wrote.

‘We thank him for his life, his consecration and his dedication to the mission, and we entrust dear Brother Rogério to the merciful embrace of God.’

The Adventist College of Paraná said Mateucci left a ‘significant contribution to Brazilian education, marked by dedication to academic training and the development of knowledge.’

‘His legacy remains in the lives he helped to transform and in the history of the country’s education,’ the institute added.

Sistema Federation of Agriculture of the State of Paraná, an agricultural federation and political organization, described the university rector as a ‘man of faith’ who dedicated his life to ‘education, knowledge and the formation of people, leaving a legacy that will live on.’

The historic home that Mateucci had been touring has been closed until further notice, as the foundation’s CEO Joe Spector told AZ Family: ‘The Foundation extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual.’

The Daily Mail reached out to the Scottsdale Fire Department for comment.

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