SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona desert home of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright remained temporarily closed to the public Wednesday after part of a roof blew off in high winds, killing a visitor from Brazil who was touring the historic property last week.
\n\nWitnesses say Rogério Renato Mateucci, 55, was struck in the head and died instantly Friday, according to police in Scottsdale, east of Phoenix. He was killed by a piece of plexiglass roofing, said Sgt. Allison Sempsis, a police spokesperson.
\n\nWind gusts of up to 38 mph were recorded at the Scottsdale Airport that day, according to the National Weather Service.
\n\nThe 1937 home and surrounding compound, called Taliesin West, have low-slung roofs and rock walls that appear to blend into the surrounding desert. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the property draws up to 100,000 visitors a year, according to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, its owner. It served as Wright's winter home, as well as a “desert laboratory” for his students.
\n\nThe foundation said in a statement following Mateucci's death that the property was closed to the public “until further notice.” A foundation spokesperson did not respond to an email Wednesday asking when tours would resume.
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/