Columbia Community Grieves Loss of Student in Hit-and-Run

News Summary

The University of South Carolina is mourning the tragic death of junior Nathanial Baker, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident. The crash involved a driver who allegedly failed to yield and has been charged with multiple offenses, including hit-and-run resulting in death. Baker’s untimely passing has sparked discussions on immigration and public safety, with local leaders advocating for legal reforms. The community is coming together to support Baker’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Columbia Shocked by Tragic Loss of University Student in Hit-and-Run

In a heartbreaking incident that has left the University of South Carolina community reeling, junior student Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident near campus. The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the busy intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets.

A Young Life Cut Short

Baker, a 20-year-old business major from Glen Allen, Virginia, was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, a 24-year-old woman originally from El Salvador. Witnesses report that she failed to yield the right of way while turning left, resulting in the fatal collision. Despite being transported to a local hospital, Baker was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Legal Troubles Unveiled

Fernandez-Cruz has been charged with several serious 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. Alarmingly, at the time of the accident, she was wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Back in December 2016, Fernandez-Cruz had been arrested by Border Patrol in Hidalgo, Texas, and was subsequently ordered to be deported in September 2018. However, she remained in the United States, and her illegal status raises significant concerns about public safety.

Aftermath of the Incident

Immediately following the crash, Fernandez-Cruz reportedly fled the scene, but she was swiftly apprehended by a nearby officer from the Columbia Police Department on the 1100 block of Greene Street. Despite being with two men at the time of the incident, no charges are currently pending against them, and their immigration status remains unclear.

Community in Mourning

The news of Baker’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves throughout the university, prompting the administration to extend their condolences and announce the availability of counseling services for students who are struggling with this loss. The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, which Baker was a part of, took to social media to honor his memory, highlighting his remarkable kindness and the positive impact he had on those around him.

Political Fallout

The tragedy has ignited important discussions surrounding immigration and public safety, with local leaders and citizens calling for urgent reforms. Congresswoman Nancy Mace has taken a strong stance, advocating for the deportation of all illegal immigrants from South Carolina in the wake of this devastating event.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Fernandez-Cruz is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia as the legal proceedings unfold. The Richland County Coroner’s Office has confirmed Baker’s death and the community remains united in recognizing the deep loss experienced by friends, family, and fellow students during this difficult time.

Together in Remembrance

Local organizations, including the university’s fraternity chapters, are coming together to provide support for Baker’s family and friends. In times like these, it’s crucial for communities to rally around one another, promoting healing and remembrance for a young man with a bright future now cut short.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and road safety, pushing communities to seek answers and ensure that such tragedies do not happen again. The loss of Nathanial Baker resonates not just as a personal tragedy, but as a call for collective reflection and change within the community.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Island Packet: Tragic Loss of University Student
• Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
• WTOC: Pedestrian Killed in Beaufort County Hit-and-Run
• Google Search: Hit-and-run accidents
• Live 5 News: Pedestrian Dies in Beaufort County Hit-and-Run
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
• Fox Carolina: One Year After Upstate Hit-and-Run
• Google News: Hit-and-run incidents South Carolina