University of South Carolina Student Killed in Hit-and-Run by Illegal Immigrant—Tragic Details Revealed

A devastating hit-and-run crash near the University of South Carolina led to the tragic death of 21-year-old Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, a business major from Glen Allen, Virginia. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the driver responsible for the fatal crash, 24-year-old Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, was an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who had been previously deported but returned to the U.S.

Fernandez-Cruz allegedly struck Baker while he was riding his motorcycle at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets in Columbia, South Carolina, on Wednesday, April 3. Reports from police indicate that Fernandez-Cruz failed to yield the right of way and then fled the scene without stopping to render aid or report the accident to authorities. Baker was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead by the Richland County Coroner’s Office.

The driver, who had been wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the time of the crash, was later located and detained by the Columbia Police Department (CPD) after fleeing the scene. Two other men were reportedly with Fernandez-Cruz at the time of the accident and also fled the scene, though no charges have been filed against them, and their immigration status remains unknown.

The University of South Carolina expressed its condolences to Baker’s family, stating, “Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Nate’s family and friends during this difficult time.” The university also confirmed that Baker was a member of the FIJI fraternity, which honored him with a heartfelt tribute on social media.

The tragic death has highlighted the ongoing issue of illegal immigration and the risks posed by individuals who have been deported but return to the U.S. unlawfully. Local officials are calling for stronger enforcement and accountability to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring.

Fernandez-Cruz now faces charges of 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 has sparked public outrage and renewed discussions about immigration policy and its impact on public safety.

As the investigation continues, Nathanial Baker’s family, friends, and the community are left grappling with the loss of a young life taken too soon. The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the potential dangers posed by illegal immigration and the need for reforms to address such issues effectively.