Tsinghua University announced on Friday that it has established a team to assist in the investigation of the death of an employee's family member, who was recently killed after being hit by a falling tree on the campus.

In a statement by the university, the incident occurred around 5 pm on Sunday when a tree-trimming company, which is not affiliated with the university, was removing a dead tree on the campus. The tree fell and struck the passerby, who was promptly taken to the hospital. Despite all medical efforts, the victim passed away.

The university expressed its deep sorrow over the tragedy, noting that it offered sincere apologies and condolences to the family of the deceased.

While setting up a team to assist with an ongoing investigation conducted by governmental departments, the school added that it has also started its internal accountability procedures, with comprehensive inspection of the campus safety hazards.

The university did not release more information about the deceased in the statement, but Chinese media previously reported that it was Zhang Ailing, a professor from Beijing Language and Culture University.

According to Shanghai-based news portal ThePaper.cn, Zhang, 58, was the director of the department of international economics and trade at the university's School of Business.