A college president from Brazil tragically lost his life after being struck by a piece of roofing during an architecture tour in Arizona, according to officials.
Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, was part of a group exploring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West in Scottsdale last Friday when a sudden gust of wind, reaching up to 32 mph, caused a roofing panel to dislodge, as reported by AZ Family.
Mateucci, serving as the rector at Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, suffered a fatal head injury from the falling debris, resulting in his immediate death. Authorities are categorizing this incident as a weather-related accident.
A spokesperson for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation expressed heartfelt condolences in light of this unexpected tragedy.
In a statement on Facebook, the foundation mentioned that the property would remain closed to the public until further notice.
Since 2022, Mateucci had been the highest-ranking official at the Catholic university, as reported by Brazilian outlet G1.
He held several academic degrees, including a doctorate in educational leadership from Fordham University.
In remembrance of the rector, classes at the college were canceled from Saturday to Monday. The university also announced plans for a Mass in his honor on Monday, with funeral arrangements to be made once his remains are returned to Brazil.
The university’s press release touched on Mateucci’s passing within the context of the school’s Catholic beliefs, stating, “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.”
