Brazilian college president killed in shocking accident at famous architect’s US home

NewsIn this photo taken Nov. 23, 2018, is Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Frank Eltman)APBy Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.comA Brazilian college president is dead after a shocking accident at a famous architect’s U.S. home.The New York Post reports Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, was killed Friday afternoon while on a group tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Strong winds up to 32 miles per hour dislodged a piece of roofing, which struck Mateucci in the head.Mateucci died instantly, officials said, describing the incident as a “weather-related accident.”According to AZ Family, Mateucci was the rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, a private college in southern Brazil. Classes at the school were canceled for mourning Saturday through Monday, and a Mass was held in his memory Monday.Earlier reports described Mateucci, who became the Pontifical Catholic University’s leader in 2022, as a tourist. The Post reports he held multiple degrees, including a doctorate from Fordham University in educational leadership.The Taliesin West home is closed to the public until further notice, according to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.“The Foundation extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who died,” the foundation’s CEO Joe Spector said in a statement. “No further details will be shared out of respect for privacy and to allow officials to complete their work.”According to AZ Family, the historic home was built in 1937 and served as Wright’s winter home. It is now a National Historic Landmark and home to the architect’s foundation. Geoff "DeafGeoff" Herbert is a Reporter and Content Supervisor for Advance Local. He covers a wide range of topics including entertainment, national news and trending topics, plus specializes in search engine...