Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of USC Student

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina, is mourning the loss of Nathanial Baker, a 21-year-old University of South Carolina student, who died in a hit-and-run accident. Baker was struck by a pickup truck driven by an illegal immigrant who fled the scene. The incident has sparked discussions around illegal immigration and public safety in the community, prompting officials to respond with calls for legal reforms. A memorial has been set up by fellow students to honor Baker’s life and contributions to the university.

Tragedy Strikes Columbia: Student Killed in Hit-and-Run

Columbia, South Carolina, was shaken by devastating news this week after a hit-and-run crash claimed the life of a beloved University of South Carolina student. Nathanial Baker, a 21-year-old junior majoring in business, tragically lost his life on Wednesday in an accident that has left the local community reeling with grief.

The Incident Unfolds

The fatal accident happened around 2 p.m. at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets, just a stone’s throw from the university’s campus. According to reports, Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, allegedly failed to yield and struck Baker’s motorcycle with his pickup truck. Adding to the tragedy, instead of stopping to help, Fernandez-Cruz made the shocking decision to flee the scene.

After the crash, it was revealed that Fernandez-Cruz was driving without a valid license, which raises serious questions about the circumstances leading up to the accident. What’s more, he had been wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since 2018 for previous immigration violations. Fernandez-Cruz had illegally crossed the US-Mexico border years prior and was apprehended by Border Patrol in 2016, only to be released the next day with a notice to appear in court.

Legal Troubles Stack Up

Now, the legal hangover from this horrific incident is hitting hard. Fernandez-Cruz is being charged with multiple offenses, including hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to give information and render aid, failure to yield the right of way, and driving without a license. He has been taken into custody and is currently being held without bond at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, awaiting prosecution.

To make matters worse, the two male passengers traveling in Fernandez-Cruz’s truck at the time of the crash fled the scene and have not yet been located or charged. The community is left wondering about their whereabouts and the implications of their actions.

A Community in Mourning

The heartbreaking loss of Nathanial Baker has deeply touched the University of South Carolina community. As a junior business major from Glen Allen, Virginia, he was recognized not just for his academic achievements but also for his active involvement in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, where he was a respected leader.

In response to this tragic event, students have gathered near the crash site to create a heartfelt memorial for Baker. The area is adorned with messages written in chalk, flowers, and candles, all serving as a testament to the significant impact he had on those around him.

Calls for Change

The tragic incident has reignited discussions about illegal immigration and public safety. Local officials, including U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, have taken to social media to express their grief and call for action concerning undocumented immigrants living in South Carolina. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has also publicly committed to prosecuting Fernandez-Cruz, signaling a strong stance on this issue.

The University of South Carolina has responded to the tragedy by offering condolences to Baker’s family and friends, along with counseling services to help students deal with the emotional fallout of this sudden loss.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation unfolds, and as the legal proceedings begin, the community continues to mourn Baker. Many students have expressed their sorrow and remember him as a figure of leadership who personified the true values of brotherhood within their fraternity. The university community stands together in this challenging time, reflecting on the life of a young man whose future was tragically cut short.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

USC Community Mourns Loss of Student in Hit-and-Run
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University Community Mourns Loss of Student in Tragic Incident
Tragedy Strikes University of South Carolina: Student Killed in Hit-and-Run
New Troopers Join the South Carolina Highway Patrol

Additional Resources

• WYFF4
• Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Google Search: hit-and-run south carolina
• CBS News
• Google Scholar: hit-and-run legal issues
• New York Post
• Encyclopedia Britannica: hit-and-run
• The State
• Google News: south carolina hit-and-run