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Taliesin West tour turns fatal for visiting Brazilian university leader
Rogerio Renato Mateucci, rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, died after windblown material struck him during a Scottsdale visit on Oct. 16. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.
A Brazilian university rector visiting Arizona State University died Friday after material blown from a roof struck him during a walking tour of Taliesin West in Scottsdale, authorities and his university said.
Rogerio Renato Mateucci was at the property near Loop 101 and Thunderbird Road when he was struck in the head at about 2 p.m. on Oct. 16. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene, according to the account of the incident. Scottsdale police said they do not suspect foul play and described the death as weather-related.
The Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, known as PUCPR, said Mateucci was hit by an acrylic object. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.
Mateucci had led PUCPR as rector since 2022. The university said he worked on initiatives involving its institutional identity and innovation in academic management, and was known for an open, welcoming approach to dialogue.
PUCPR canceled classes on Oct. 17 and administrative activities on Oct. 19. A memorial Mass was scheduled for Oct. 19 at the university’s Jesus Mestre Chapel. The university asked for prayers and offered condolences to Mateucci’s family, friends and the Marist and university communities.