Weather Data Source: South Carolina Weather

Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of University Student

Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
Tribute to Fallen Student

News Summary

A University of South Carolina junior, Nathanial Baker, was killed in a hit-and-run accident near the campus. The alleged driver, a 24-year-old undocumented immigrant, failed to yield and fled the scene before being apprehended. As investigations unfold, the incident highlights concerns over immigration policies, especially as the driver had previous immigration issues. The university mourns the loss of Baker, who was a respected member of the community, while implications of this tragic event continue to spark discussions on public safety.

South Carolina—Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, a junior at the University of South Carolina, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident on Wednesday, just after 2 p.m. The crash occurred near the campus when Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, a 24-year-old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, allegedly failed to yield while making a left turn, striking Baker on his motorcycle.

Following the collision, Fernandez-Cruz did not stop to provide aid and fled the scene. She was apprehended shortly thereafter by a Columbia Police Department officer on Greene Street. The Richland County Coroner’s Office later confirmed Baker’s death at a hospital. Fernandez-Cruz has been charged with 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.

The incident raises significant concerns as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials revealed that Fernandez-Cruz was in the United States illegally. An assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS stated that Baker “should be alive today.” At the time of the accident, Fernandez-Cruz was wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and had previously been apprehended by border patrol in Hidalgo, Texas, on December 24, 2016. An immigration judge had ordered her to return to El Salvador on September 6, 2018.

Baker, who was pursuing a degree in business, hailed from Glen Allen, Virginia. His unexpected death has deeply affected the University of South Carolina community. The university expressed its condolences and has made counseling services available to students coping with the tragic news. Additionally, the FIJI fraternity, of which Baker was a member, has remembered him as a leader and role model.

In the wake of this tragic event, Congresswoman Nancy Mace has declared her intention to deport illegal immigrants from South Carolina, linking her statement directly to Baker’s fatal accident.

At present, Fernandez-Cruz is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, while the identities and immigration statuses of two men who were present with her during the incident remain unknown. The community and authorities continue to grapple with the implications of the incident, as it highlights ongoing national conversations about immigration and public safety.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of University Student

HERE Charleston
Author: HERE Charleston

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Construction Management Software for Contractors in Charleston, SC

In Charleston, SC, contractors rely on CMiC for a construction management solution that enhances visibility across every project phase. The software offers seamless integration between financials, field operations, and compliance tracking, allowing construction firms in Charleston to maintain efficiency while managing multiple job sites.

Learn More about CMiC’s offerings here. 

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!