Friends of College President Killed in Freak Accident at Frank Lloyd Wright Home Demand Answers

Friends and colleagues of a Brazilian college president killed in a freak accident at an Arizona tourist attraction have demanded answers after a piece of stray roofing fatally struck him.

Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, president of Brazil’s Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, was on a group tour of Taliesin West, the former home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, on Friday when 32 mph winds dislodged a piece of roofing.

“I think the security measures must be taken because it’s a public place,” said Vidal Martins, 57, who traveled with Mateucci to Arizona. Martins told the Arizona Republic that the group was in the U.S. to learn about Arizona State University’s management, and Mateucci, an architecture enthusiast, had planned a sightseeing trip to Taliesin West after the university sessions concluded.

Another member of the group who was on the tour with Mateucci reported that a piece of acrylic from the roof struck the college president in the head, causing severe bleeding. The caller described efforts to save Mateucci, which proved unsuccessful. Less than five minutes later, the caller informed Martins that Mateucci had died.

Martins, who had known Mateucci for about 10 years, later went to Taliesin West and saw Mateucci’s body in an area that had been cordoned off by authorities. He questioned why only one piece of roofing had become detached, raising concerns about whether it had been properly secured.

Strong winds were present in Tempe on Friday, and much of the Phoenix metropolitan area was under a wind advisory at the time of the incident. |

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation had not contacted Martins directly, but both Arizona State University and the Brazilian consulate had offered assistance. The foundation issued a statement expressing condolences.

“The foundation extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual,” said Foundation CEO Joe Specter. “No further details will be shared out of respect for privacy and to allow officials to complete their work.”

Taliesin West, built in 1937 as Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter residence, remains closed until further notice. |