South Bend, Ind. ? 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 student videographer’s death because it failed to protect him.

“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.”

Declan Sullivan, 20, a student videographer, was killed Oct. 27 when a hydraulic lift he was on toppled over while he was filming football practice. The National Weather Service reported a gusts of up to 51 mph at the time. The school and state regulators are investigating the accident.

Jenkins also voiced support for football coach Brian Kelly, who has said it was his decision to practice outdoors the day Sullivan died.

“Coach Kelly was hired not only because of his football expertise, but because we believed his character and values accord with the highest standards of Notre Dame. All we have seen since he came to Notre Dame, and everything we have learned in our investigation to date, have confirmed that belief,” he said. “For those reasons, I am confident that Coach Kelly has a bright future leading our football program.”

Kelly has had a difficult first season, going 4-5 so far with disappointing losses to Navy and Tulsa.

The state is looking at whether federal and state workplace safety rules and industry standards might have been violated.