Following the death of Declan Sullivan, 20, a student videographer for Notre Dame who was killed when a hydraulic lift he was on toppled over while he was filming football practice, the president of the University of Notre Dame sent an e-mail to students, faculty, staff and alumni Friday saying that the school is responsible for a the death because it failed to protect him. “This loss is more devastating, for Declan died in a tragic accident while in our care,” he wrote. “For that, I am profoundly sorry.” Read more after the jump…

“Declan Sullivan was entrusted to our care, and we failed to keep him safe,” the Rev. John Jenkins wrote. “We at Notre Dame and ultimately I, as President are responsible. Words cannot express our sorrow to the Sullivan family and to all involved.” Jenkins also voiced support for football coach Brian Kelly, who has said it was his decision to hold practice outdoors on the day that Sullivan died. Although the National Weather Service reported gusts of up to 51 mph at the time of death, the student’s death is still under investigation. Notre Dame (4-5) does not play on Saturday. Its next game is Nov. 13 against No. 6 Utah (8-0).