<p>I know many of you will want to pray for this young man and his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Declan.</p>
<p>Notre</a> Dame junior dies in football tower collapse - Chicago Breaking Sports</p>
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A 20-year-old Notre Dame student died Wednesday when a video tower overlooking the football team's practice collapsed in high winds and fell into an adjacent street.
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<p>Greta, this post puts my anxiety over D’s chances of getting into ND into proper perspective. </p>
<p>May God’s peace surround the family of Declan Sullivan, and may he enjoy eternity with God.</p>
<p>Yes, many prayers from my family. Sophomore son says the students are, as expected, shocked and devastated. Unimaginable pain for the family.</p>
<p>Really does put a perspective on life and how fragile it is.</p>
<p>Prayers to his family and friends. Truly sad and heartbreaking.</p>
<p>This is a tragic story on so many levels. The student posted on Facebook right before he fell that it was terrifying being up there. He also tweeted or messaged (jokingly, I think) that he had lived long enough (not sure of the exact wording, but it is quoted in the news article). It is so unfortunate that he could not realize how very dangerous it would be for him to go out there, but it is criminal that Notre Dame athletic officials would send him up there in dangerous weather conditions just so they could have tape that would help them in an upcoming game. These officials should be held responsible for his death and be prosecuted.</p>
<p>This was not what most people would typically consider an accident. This was a failure on the part of the coaches and the school to acknowledge an obvious risk. It’s unconscionable that they had that young man in the tower filming a practice.</p>
<p>Such a terrible tragedy and so infuriating to hear University officials in full damage control mode. Terms such as “accident” and “extraordinary wind” are an insult. At a bare minimum the family deserves respect, not legal side steps. My prayers go out to the family.</p>
<p>Heartfelt letter to students, parents and alums from Father Jenkins-</p>
<p>November 5, 2010</p>
<p>Dear Notre Dame students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends,</p>
<p>The tragic accident that took Declan Sullivan’s life just over a week ago, the Mass of Remembrance in the Basilica, and his family’s faith-filled funeral for him this week have given each of us the chance to grieve, remember and pray. Declan was a bright and energetic young man who lived his life with passion. We will miss him, and we believe that he is in the loving embrace of our Lord. </p>
<p>Over this past week, I have had the great privilege of meeting with and trying to provide some measure of support to Declan’s parents, sister, brother and other members of his family. Many Notre Dame faculty, staff and students also have reached out to offer their assistance. Yet the Sullivan family, through their incredible grace and courage, has given us support and an example of how to respond. They ministered to us as we tried to minister to them. </p>
<p>There is no greater sadness for a university community than the death of one of its students under any circumstances. Yet this loss is more devastating, for Declan died in a tragic accident while in our care. For that, I am profoundly sorry. We are conducting an investigation and we must be careful not to pre-judge its results, but I will say this: Declan Sullivan was entrusted to our care, and we failed to keep him safe. We at Notre Dame - and ultimately I, as President - are responsible. Words cannot express our sorrow to the Sullivan family and to all involved.</p>
<p>I am committed to determining why this accident happened and to ensuring the safety of our students. We have been conducting an internal investigation to examine this accident from every possible perspective and to draw conclusions and formulate recommendations for the future. In order to ensure that our inquiry has been thorough, unbiased and accurate, I have asked Dr. Peter Likins, former President of the University of Arizona, to provide an external review of our inquiry, and he has graciously accepted.</p>
<p>In selecting someone to review our investigation, I sought an individual experienced in higher education, with an impeccable reputation for integrity, intellect and independence. In Dr. Likins, we are fortunate to have just such a man. He brings numerous credentials to this assignment: as a world-renowned engineer; as a university administrator who served as provost at Columbia and president at Lehigh and Arizona; as a highly regarded member of numerous NCAA committees; and as a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.</p>
<p>Investigations and external reviews such as this take time, but I assure you that, when complete, we will issue a public report on the outcome, including information on the events of the afternoon of Oct. 27, any institutional ramifications, and recommendations for safety policies in the future. </p>
<p>Finally, in light of what I believe to be unfounded and unfair commentary and speculation, I want to say something about Coach Brian Kelly. 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. For those reasons I am confident that Coach Kelly has a bright future leading our football program.</p>
<p>Thank you for your concern, and your prayers. At the darkest moments, the love, and care, and faith of the Notre Dame family shines most brightly.</p>
<p>In Notre Dame,</p>
<p>Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President
University of Notre Dame</p>
<p>Thank you for posting this letter. I think it is a wonderful, wonderful letter and changes my mind about how the University is dealing with this tragedy. Of course, sadly, nothing can change the end result but for someone to admit accountability is incredibly meaningful, in my view.</p>
<p>^^^ completely agree. It’s an excellent letter.</p>