Local
Scottsdale’s Taliesin West closes after visitor dies in wind-related accident
Rogério Renato Mateucci, rector of a Brazilian university, was killed Friday when strong winds tore roofing material loose during a tour of Taliesin West. Scottsdale police are investigating the death as a weather-related accident, and the landmark is closed until further notice.
A senior Brazilian university official died Friday after roofing material blown loose by strong winds struck him during a walking tour of Taliesin West in Scottsdale, authorities said.
Rogério Renato Mateucci, rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, was hit around 2 p.m. near Cactus Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. Scottsdale firefighters said he died at the scene. Police do not suspect foul play and are investigating the death as weather-related; the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause.
The National Weather Service recorded east winds of 22 mph in Scottsdale around the time of the accident, with gusts reaching 32 mph. Friday had been designated a First Alert Weather Day.
Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home and architectural workspace in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, is closed to the public until further notice. The property, built in 1937, is a National Historic Landmark and the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
Foundation CEO Joe Spector offered condolences to Mateucci’s family and loved ones. He said the organization would not release further details while authorities complete their work and to respect the family’s privacy.
Mateucci’s university said it would cancel classes Saturday and Monday and close administrative offices Monday. A memorial Mass is scheduled for Monday at the Jesus the Master University Chapel, with a livestream planned on the university’s YouTube channel.