Declan Sullivan, a 20-year-old Notre Dame junior from Long Grove, Ill., died today while filming Notre Dame football practice for the Department of Athletics from a hydraulic scissor lift at the LaBar Practice Complex. He was killed by an accident that occurred when a film tower fell over.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. The University continues to make pastoral care and grief counseling available to students. Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly released the following statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Declan’s family and friends. Declan was a diligent student worker in our video department and had a tremendous personality and great sense of humor. He brightened the days for all that had the privilege to work with him, and the Notre Dame football family will dearly miss him.”
The accident happened at approximately 4:50 p.m. Sullivan was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where he later died.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., Notre Dame’s president. “Our hearts go out to the student’s family and friends and our prayers and profound sympathies are with them during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of someone so young is a terrible shock and a great sadness. Our entire community shares in the family’s grief.”
A special Mass will be held at the University of Notre Dame on Thursday (Oct. 28) in Sullivan’s memory. The Mass will begin at 10 p.m. in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest webzine. He’s also a regular contributor to the Tribune’s Chicago Now network, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com
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