Brazilian tourist killed by roof debris while touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Fatal accident at Taliesin West
Mateucci, a visitor from Brazil, was touring Taliesin West when high winds blew a piece of roof material onto him. The report said witnesses saw him struck on the head and that he died instantly.
Wind gusts of up to 38 mph, or 61 kph, were recorded that day at Scottsdale Airport, according to the National Weather Service. Taliesin West is in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Property closes to visitors
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which owns the property, said it was closed to the public until further notice. The designated UNESCO World Heritage site remained temporarily closed on Wednesday.
Scottsdale police spokesperson Sgt. Allison Sempsis said the investigation would not prevent the site from reopening. A foundation spokesperson did not respond to an email asking when tours would resume.
Wright’s winter home
Taliesin West served as Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and as a “desert laboratory” for his students. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation says the property receives up to 100,000 visitors annually.
Key points
- Mateucci, a visitor from Brazil, died after roof material struck him at Taliesin West.
- Wind gusts at Scottsdale Airport reached up to 38 mph that day.
- The foundation closed the site until further notice; police said the investigation does not prevent reopening.
- Mateucci was attending an international program at Arizona State University.