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Tragic Incident Strikes University of South Carolina Community

Memorial for University of South Carolina Student

News Summary

The University of South Carolina mourns the loss of Nathanial ‘Nate’ G. Baker, a 20-year-old business major, following a tragic hit-and-run accident near the campus. The incident, which occurred when Baker was riding his motorcycle, involved a driver who has been charged with serious offenses. This heartbreaking situation has sparked discussions about public safety and immigration laws in the community, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Tragic Incident Strikes University of South Carolina Community

In the bustling city of Columbia, South Carolina, a tragic event has sent shockwaves through the community. Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, a 20-year-old junior at the University of South Carolina, lost his life in a heartbreaking hit-and-run incident near the campus on Wednesday afternoon. Baker was a passionate business major from Glen Allen, Virginia, and his untimely passing has left friends, family, and fellow students in deep mourning.

The Accident Unfolds

The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly Streets. Authorities report that Baker was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 24-year-old Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz. Apparently, Fernandez-Cruz failed to yield while making a left turn, leading to the devastating collision.

Despite immediate medical attention, Baker was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital, as confirmed by the Richland County Coroner’s Office. The loss of such a young life has deeply affected those who knew him, who lament the senselessness of the situation.

Driver’s Background

Fernandez-Cruz has since been charged with several serious offenses, including hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to provide information and aid, and driving without a license. What’s particularly alarming is that she was already in the radar of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the time of the accident. Fernandez-Cruz had been previously arrested by border patrol in December 2016 and had a court order for her removal back to El Salvador in September 2018.

Aftermath of the Tragedy

Following the crash, Fernandez-Cruz fled the scene without offering any assistance to Baker. She was later detained by an officer patrolling the area on Greene Street, although two men who accompanied her managed to escape. Currently, their immigration status remains uncertain.

The University of South Carolina has expressed its condolences over Baker’s passing. Both the campus fraternity, FIJI, and the College Panhellenic Association released heartfelt statements celebrating his legacy and offering support to his grieving friends and family.

Political Reactions

This tragic event has also sparked discussions around immigration laws in the state. Local leaders have voiced their frustrations, with some highlighting that Baker’s death may have been preventable had there been stricter enforcement regarding illegal immigrants. The situation raises larger questions about the implications of illegal immigration on public safety, igniting debates around how to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Current Status of the Investigation

As it stands, Fernandez-Cruz is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center while the Columbia Police Department continues its investigation into the incident. Authorities are working diligently to gather all the facts surrounding this incident as the community mourns the loss of a promising young man.

Baker’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the fragile nature of life and the impact one moment can have on many. His friends and family carry his memory forward, hoping that justice will be served and that safety measures will hopefully evolve from this tragedy.