PUC-PR Rector Rogério Renato Mateucci dies in Arizona accident

Rogério Renato Mateucci, the 55-year-old rector of the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUC-PR), died on October 16 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The accident occurred during a visit to the Taliesin West historical complex following an international immersion program at Arizona State University.

Local police reported that Mateucci was struck in the head by an acrylic object that was dislodged from a roof by strong winds. Authorities have classified the incident as a weather-related accident and stated there is no suspicion of criminal activity.

Mateucci, a veteran educator with 26 years of experience, had been serving his first term as rector since 2022 and was slated for a second term. Vice-rector Vidal Martins stated that the university is organizing the repatriation of the body, which is expected to arrive in Brazil by October 30 once international legal requirements are met.