News Summary
Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, a junior at the University of South Carolina, was killed in a hit-and-run collision involving a truck driven by an undocumented immigrant. The incident has raised concerns about immigration policies and public safety in the community. Following the crash, the driver, Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, faced multiple charges after fleeing the scene. The university is providing counseling services to students affected by Baker’s tragic death, which has left a profound impact on the local community.
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 afternoon. The crash involved a truck driven by Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, a 24-year-old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, who is now facing multiple charges related to the incident.
The collision occurred around 2 p.m. at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets, where Fernandez-Cruz allegedly failed to yield while making a left turn, striking Baker, who was riding his motorcycle. Following the collision, Baker was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Richland County Coroner’s Office.
Fernandez-Cruz has been charged with hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to provide information and render aid, failure to yield the right of way, and driving without a license. Reports indicate that she fled the accident scene on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter by a police officer on Greene Street. Additional persons who were with her during the incident also fled but have not been charged, and details regarding their immigration status remain unclear.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have confirmed that Fernandez-Cruz was in the United States illegally. Prior to the crash, she had been wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A DHS source reported that Fernandez-Cruz was previously arrested by Border Patrol in Hidalgo, Texas, in December 2016 and was ordered to be deported back to El Salvador in September 2018, a situation that has raised further concerns regarding the regulation of illegal immigration.
The University of South Carolina expressed its condolences for the loss of Baker, who was a business major from Glen Allen, Virginia. Baker was remembered by his fraternity, FIJI, which highlighted his role as a leader and the positive impact he had on the community. His death has deeply affected both the university community and his family and friends.
In relation to the incident, Congresswoman Nancy Mace has publicly criticized the presence of illegal immigrants in South Carolina and has expressed commitment to enforcing deportations. The circumstances surrounding Baker’s death have intensified discussions regarding immigration policies and their impact on public safety.
Support Services for Students
In response to the tragedy, the University of South Carolina is offering counseling services for students grappling with the emotional fallout from the incident. This initiative aims to provide support for students affected by the loss of their peer and help create a supportive environment during this challenging time.
Legal Implications
Fernandez-Cruz remains in custody at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia as legal proceedings move forward. The charges levied against her carry serious implications not just legally, but also in terms of broader community discussions about immigration and road safety.
The tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration laws and public safety, and it has sparked a renewed debate over how such incidents are handled at local and national levels.
As the investigation continues, the community and the university are left to navigate the grief of losing a promising student who had much potential ahead of him.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The State
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- WLTX
- Google Search: hit and run laws in South Carolina
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: hit and run accidents
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic safety
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
