News Summary
A hit-and-run incident in South Carolina resulting in the death of Nathanial Baker, a 21-year-old University of South Carolina junior. Struck by an illegal immigrant, Rosali Fernandez-Cruz, who fled the scene, Baker was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The incident has raised concerns about immigration enforcement policies, and the university community is mourning the loss of their fellow student. Authorities have detained Fernandez-Cruz, who faces multiple charges related to the incident.
South Carolina – A tragic hit-and-run incident on Wednesday resulted in the death of Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, a 21-year-old junior at the University of South Carolina. Baker was struck while riding his motorcycle by Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, who allegedly failed to yield at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets.
Following the collision, Baker was immediately transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Initial investigations suggest that Fernandez-Cruz, who was wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the time of the incident, fled the scene. Authorities apprehended her shortly after the accident with the assistance of a nearby police officer.
Fernandez-Cruz now faces multiple charges, including hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to render aid, failure to provide information, and driving without a license. Two witnesses, who were with her during the incident, also fled, and their immigration status has not been disclosed.
The University of South Carolina confirmed Baker was a business major originally from Glen Allen, Virginia. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, which expressed its grief on social media, honoring Baker as a leader and role model within the fraternity. The overall campus community has also been affected, with organizations like the College Panhellenic Association declaring the incident a tragedy and extending support to those impacted by it.
This incident has spurred significant reactions regarding public safety and immigration policies. In response, Congresswoman Nancy Mace stated her commitment to deport all illegal immigrants residing in South Carolina, emphasizing her belief in the necessity of safeguarding the community.
More context surrounding the incident reveals that Fernandez-Cruz had a pending immigration status at the time of the collision. Greater scrutiny is being placed on immigration enforcement policies and how they relate to individuals involved in criminal activities. Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), remarked on the incident, claiming that Baker “should be alive today” and offering condolences to his family for their loss.
Fernandez-Cruz is currently being detained at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, South Carolina, awaiting further legal proceedings. The tragic loss of Nathanial Baker has left a profound impact on his friends, family, and the university community as they mourn his untimely death.
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