News Summary
A junior student at the University of South Carolina, Nathanial ‘Nate’ G. Baker, lost his life in a hit-and-run incident involving an illegal immigrant driver. The driver, Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, fled the scene but was later apprehended. This incident has ignited discussions about immigration policies and road safety, while the university offers counseling to students affected by this tragedy.
Columbia, South Carolina – A tragic hit-and-run incident near the University of South Carolina resulted in the death of a junior student, Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, on Wednesday. The driver involved in the incident has been identified as Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, who was driving without a valid license at the time of the crash.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Fernandez-Cruz is in the United States illegally. An Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs stated that Baker “should be alive today.” Baker was struck by Fernandez-Cruz while riding his motorcycle at an intersection near campus and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The collision occurred just after 2 p.m. at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets when Fernandez-Cruz allegedly failed to yield while making a left turn.
After the crash, Fernandez-Cruz fled the scene and ran from the truck. She was later apprehended by a Columbia Police Department officer on Greene Street, facing multiple charges that include hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to yield the right of way, failure to provide information and render aid, along with driving without a valid license. At the time of the incident, she was wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A DHS source revealed that Fernandez-Cruz had previously been arrested by Border Patrol in Texas in December 2016 and was ordered to return to El Salvador by September 2018. Two unidentified men were reportedly with Fernandez-Cruz during the incident and fled the scene, with their immigration status currently unknown and no charges pending against them.
The University of South Carolina has confirmed that Baker was a business major from Glen Allen, Virginia, expressing condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Baker was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, where he was recognized as a brother and leader who had a positive impact on those around him.
This incident has sparked discussions around immigration policies, particularly in South Carolina. Congresswoman Nancy Mace has stated that Republicans plan to advocate for the deportation of illegal immigrants in light of Baker’s tragic death, emphasizing the need for policy reform to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Fernandez-Cruz is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia. In response to Baker’s death, the University is offering counseling services to students affected by the tragedy, reflecting the deep impact it has had on the campus community.
This hit-and-run case serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration and road safety in the United States. The loss of Baker has resonated deeply within both the University community and beyond as conversations continue regarding the legal and ethical implications of immigration enforcement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox News: Sullivan’s Island Hit-and-Run Suspect Captured
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- People: Suspect Captured After Hit-and-Run Incident
- Google Search: Hit-and-Run Incidents
- WLTX: Manhunt for Hit-and-Run Suspect in Sullivan’s Island
- Google Scholar: Hit-and-Run Laws
- Fox News: Manhunt Underway in Sullivan’s Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hit-and-Run
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
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