Dean of PUC-PR killed in accident in the USA: what is known about the case

The rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC-PR), Rogério Renato Mateucci, aged 55, died after being hit in the head by an acrylic object ripped off a roof by strong winds, on October 16, in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States.

He was taking part in a guided tour of the historic Taliesin West complex when he suffered the accident. Police are treating the case as a weather-related accident, with no crime suspected.

The body was released by American authorities, and the university expects it to arrive in Brazil by October 30th.

See what you know about the case

Rogério Renato Mateucci was 55 years old — Photo: Disclosure

1. What did the dean do in the United States?

According to the vice-rector, Vidal Martins, Mateucci was participating in an international immersion at Arizona State University, held between October 13th and 16th. The mission aimed to learn about the institution's innovation ecosystem and global university model.

The visit to the historic Taliesin West complex, where the accident occurred, took place after the end of the event, outside the official schedule.

2. Where did the rector die?

The accident happened at Taliesin West, a historic and architectural complex located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded in 1937 by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the space functions as a museum and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. What caused the death?

According to Scottsdale police, an acrylic object was ripped from a roof by strong winds and hit the dean's head. Rescue teams were called, but he died at the scene.

According to the police, no crime was suspected, and the incident was being treated as an accident related to weather conditions.

Taliesin West is a historic and architectural complex founded in 1937 by architect Frank Lloyd Wright — Photo: Andrew Pielage

4. Who was Rogério Renato Mateucci?

Born in Americana (SP), Mateucci was 55 years old and had 26 years of experience in the education field. A Marist Brother since 1992, he had a degree in Pedagogy and a master's and doctorate in Leadership, Administration and Educational Policies from Fordham University, in New York.

Before assuming the rectorship of PUCPR, he held leadership positions at the university, was vice-president of the Marist Group and director of the Marist Center for the Defense of Children. He assumed the deanship in 2022 and was reappointed to the position in 2025 for a second term, from 2026 to 2029.

5. When will the body arrive in Brazil?

PUC-PR expects the body to arrive in Brazil by October 30th. So far, there is no exact date confirmed for arrival.

According to the vice-rector, the transfer is being organized by the travel insurance company and depends on legal procedures for international transport. The wake and burial dates have not yet been defined.

Dean of PUC-PR died in an accident in the USA — Photo: Disclosure

6. Who will take over as rector of PUC-PR?

Vice-rector Vidal Martins must assume management as interim rector, after the publication of a formal designation ordinance.

The definitive choice of the new rector will follow the process foreseen for a pontifical university, with the participation of the Paraná Culture Association, the Marist Brothers, the archbishop of Curitiba and the Vatican.