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A tourist was killed in a freak accident while visiting an architectural landmark designed by one of America’s greatest architects last week, according to authorities.
Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, was killed around 2 p.m. on Friday when strong winds blew a piece of roofing material off a roof — striking him in the head.
Mateucci, the rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, had been touring Taliesin West, a historic architectural landmark designed by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Taliesin West was built in 1937. It is now closed to the public, according to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s website.
Joe Spector, CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, told Digital he was extending his “deepest condolences” to Mateucci’s family and loved ones.
A tourist visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic Taliesin West property was fatally struck by a piece of roofing material during strong winds. (DeAgostini/Getty Images)
“The Scottsdale Police Department is aware of the incident, and no further details will be shared out of respect for privacy and to allow officials to complete their work,” said Spector.
“The property is closed to the public until further notice.”
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A spokesperson for the Scottsdale Police Department confirmed the incident to Digital.
“The man was reportedly killed instantly and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders,” police said.
Taliesin West, designed by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, was the site of a fatal accident involving a visiting university rector. (Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
“He had been on a walking tour of the property with other people when the accident occurred.”
The official added, “Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to investigate, but no foul play is suspected in this weather-related accident.”
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In an Instagram post, the university announced Mateucci’s death with “profound sadness.”
The school canceled classes at three of its campuses on Oct. 17 and 19 and suspended administrative operations on Oct. 19 as it mourned his passing.
“He was a very kind person, someone that takes care of everybody. He was a religious man.”
Vidal Martins, vice rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, told FOX 10 Phoenix that strong winds blew a piece of clear roofing material into their path, striking Brother Rogério in the head.
Mateucci was reportedly eager to visit the property, given his interest in art.
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“He loved the arts and architecture,” Martins said.
Martins called the incident “deeply, deeply sad.”
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“It’s hard to understand, it’s hard to accept,” he said.
Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s most influential architects, designed Taliesin West. (Bettmann via Getty Images; Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Martins also said Mateucci had a lasting impact on the community through his efforts to improve the lives of those around him, per FOX 10.
“He was a very kind person, someone that takes care of everybody. He was a religious man,” he said.
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Frank Lloyd Wright, who lived from 1867 to 1959, is widely regarded as one of the most influential architects in American history.
The Scottsdale Police Department said detectives investigated the fatal incident at Taliesin West, seen above, and found no indication of foul play. (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
His most notable works include Fallingwater in Pennsylvania and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
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Taliesin West served as his winter home and architectural studio.
