{"id":26944,"date":"2025-04-04T09:47:40","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T13:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/news\/?p=26944"},"modified":"2025-04-04T09:47:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T13:47:40","slug":"university-of-south-carolina-student-21-killed-in-hit-and-run-crash-involving-illegal-immigrant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/news\/2025\/04\/university-of-south-carolina-student-21-killed-in-hit-and-run-crash-involving-illegal-immigrant","title":{"rendered":"University of South Carolina Student, 21, Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash Involving Illegal Immigrant"},"content":{"rendered":"
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FIJI \/ Instagram | Inset: Columbia Police Department<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A University of South Carolina junior has died after a hit-and-run crash near campus involving an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials.<\/p>\n

Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, 21, was riding his motorcycle through a busy intersection in Columbia when he was struck by a truck whose driver allegedly failed to yield while making a turn.<\/p>\n

According to the Columbia Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the driver involved, 24-year-old Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who had previously been ordered to leave the United States in 2018. DHS officials confirmed that Fernandez-Cruz entered the country illegally in 2016 and was being sought by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the time of the crash.<\/p>\n

The fatal accident occurred just after 2 p.m. on April 2nd<\/sup> at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets. Authorities say Fernandez-Cruz failed to yield while turning left, striking Baker, who was riding a motorcycle. Instead of stopping to help or notify police, Fernandez-Cruz fled the scene on foot, along with two other individuals. A nearby officer located and detained Fernandez-Cruz shortly after. He is now facing charges including hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to render aid, and driving without a license.<\/p>\n

Baker was rushed to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. His death has shaken the university community and beyond. In a heartfelt statement, university officials said, “Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Nate\u2019s family and friends during this difficult time. Counseling staff are actively working with those impacted, and services are available to any member of our campus community affected by this tragedy.”<\/p>\n

Scores of grief-stricken USC students have created a memorial on a sidewalk near the deadly crash site, leaving messages in chalk, flowers, pictures and candles, according to local reports.<\/p>\n

Nate Baker was more than just a student; he was also a beloved member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, where he was known for his leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his brothers. In a touching tribute, the fraternity wrote, “Yesterday, we lost not just a brother, but a leader, a role model, and a true embodiment of what our fraternity stands for. Nate brought light, laughter, and love into all of our lives… His passion, loyalty, and love for this brotherhood will never be forgotten.”<\/p>\n

The University of South Carolina College Panhellenic Association also honored Baker\u2019s memory, calling the situation a \u201ctragedy\u201d and urging the campus community to stand united. “Nate\u2019s impact will continue to live on throughout the USC community, and will never be forgotten,” the association wrote on Instagram.<\/p>\n

Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, expressed deep sorrow over Baker\u2019s death. In a post on X, she stated, “21-year-old Nathanial ‘Nate’ G. Baker should be alive today. @DHSgov prays for Nate\u2019s family, friends, and loved ones and will work every day to protect innocent Americans like Nate.”<\/p>\n

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Yesterday, 21-year-old USC student Nathanial \u201cNate\u201d Baker was driving a motorcycle when he was hit by a truck driver who fled the scene. The hit & run driver was in our country illegally.<\/p>\n

Nate should be alive today. @DHSgov<\/a> prays for Nate\u2019s family, friends, and loved ones and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/BKtVVJuqM9<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) April 3, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n