USC Community Mourns Loss of Student in Hit-and-Run

News Summary

The tragic hit-and-run death of Nathanial ‘Nate’ Baker, a 21-year-old USC student, has left the Columbia community heartbroken. The incident occurred at a busy intersection, leading to an immediate community outpouring of grief and support. In response to the tragedy, the university is providing counseling services while authorities investigate the case, highlighting concerns about road safety. As memorials are created in Nate’s honor, the impact of his kindness and generosity is remembered by all who knew him.

Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of USC Student in Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina, is in mourning following a devastating hit-and-run incident that took the life of a beloved University of South Carolina student, Nathanial “Nate” Baker. The 21-year-old junior business major was tragically killed on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves throughout the campus community.

A Heartbreaking Incident

The unfortunate event unfolded around 2 p.m. at the busy intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets, very near both the university campus and the Carolina Coliseum. According to reports, Baker was riding his motorcycle when a pickup truck failed to yield while making a left turn, leading to the collision that would alter the lives of many.

The Driver Fled the Scene

In a startling turn of events, the driver of the pickup truck, a 24-year-old woman named Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, fled the scene immediately after the crash. Fortunately, law enforcement authorities were quick to respond and apprehended her a short time later on Greene Street. Fernandez-Cruz, originally from El Salvador, is now facing multiple serious charges, including hit-and-run resulting in death and failure to render aid. Disturbingly, she was also driving without a license.

Background on the Driver

Fernandez-Cruz crossed the U.S.-Mexico border as an unaccompanied minor back in 2016. She has had a troubled legal history, having been placed in removal proceedings in 2018 after failing to appear in court. At the time of the fatal incident, she was reportedly wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration violations.

A Community in Grief

After the accident, Baker was transported to Prisma Health Richland hospital, but sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. This loss has left a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew him, including friends and members of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Baker was known as a generous and kind-hearted individual who was always there to lend a helping hand, making the news of his untimely passing even more tragic.

A Beautiful Tribute

In his honor, students have gathered near the crash site to create a heartfelt memorial filled with chalk messages, flowers, pictures, and candles. The community’s outpouring of love clearly shows how much Baker touched the lives of those around him.

University Support

The University of South Carolina has stepped in to offer its condolences to Baker’s family and is providing counseling services to students who are grieving this tragic loss. It’s a hard time for everyone at USC, as they come to terms with the impact of this sudden tragedy.

Safety Concerns at the Intersection

Interestingly, recent data from local authorities indicates that there have been 27 collisions at the intersection where the incident occurred in the past year alone, raising questions about road safety in that area. Many are hoping that this tragic event will prompt a serious reconsideration of safety measures at this intersection to prevent future incidents.

Legal Proceedings Underway

The case has now been handed over to the South Carolina Attorney General’s office, which will oversee the prosecution of Fernandez-Cruz. As the community mourns Baker’s loss, many are left wondering how to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from happening again.

This story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety on our roads. As Columbia reflects on the impact of Baker’s life, his kindness and generosity will surely be remembered by all who knew him.

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Additional Resources

• New York Post
• Wikipedia: Hit and Run
• Fox News
• Google Search: University of South Carolina hit and run
• WLTX
• Google Scholar: Hit and run accidents
• WIS TV
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic accidents
• WSPA
• Google News: USC student killed in hit and run