More forecasts: Atlanta 30 day forecast

Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of USC Student

Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
Memorial for USC Student

News Summary

Nathanial ‘Nate’ G. Baker, a 21-year-old junior at the University of South Carolina, lost his life in a hit-and-run accident involving an illegal immigrant driver. The incident sparked public outcry and political responses regarding illegal immigration. The driver, Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, has been charged with multiple offenses. The USC community is mourning the loss of Baker, who was a member of the FIJI fraternity. Counseling services have been offered to students affected by this tragedy.

South Carolina – Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, a junior at the University of South Carolina, has tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run incident near the campus. The collision occurred on a Wednesday afternoon, claiming the life of the 21-year-old business major from Glen Allen, Virginia. The driver involved in the incident is Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Following the incident, Fernandez-Cruz has been charged with several offenses, including 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 collision took place around 2 p.m. when Fernandez-Cruz reportedly failed to yield while making a left turn at Blossom and Assembly streets, striking Baker on his motorcycle.

Emergency responders rushed Baker to the hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead, as confirmed by the Richland County Coroner’s Office. After the crash, Fernandez-Cruz fled the scene on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter by police on the 1100 block of Greene Street. At the time of this incident, Fernandez-Cruz was already wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

A source from DHS reported that Fernandez-Cruz had previously been arrested by Border Patrol in Hidalgo, Texas, on December 24, 2016. An immigration judge had ordered her to return to El Salvador on September 6, 2018, but she remained in the United States illegally. Two additional men were reportedly present with Fernandez-Cruz at the time of the collision but escaped the scene, and their immigration status remains unknown.

In response to this tragedy, the University of South Carolina announced counseling services available to students affected by Baker’s passing. The fraternity to which Baker belonged, FIJI, honored him through an Instagram tribute, describing him as a brother, leader, and role model.

This incident has sparked public and political responses. Congresswoman Nancy Mace has condemned the event and expressed her intention to advocate for the deportation of illegal immigrants from South Carolina, emphasizing the challenges posed by illegal immigration in the state.

Currently, Fernandez-Cruz is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia pending further legal proceedings. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a bright young individual whose life was cut short due to a tragic incident.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

STAFF HERE CLINTON
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
Construction Management Software in Clinton, SC

CMiC’s software helps Clinton, SC contractors simplify complex construction processes, optimize financial control, and improve project efficiency. For contractors in Clinton looking to enhance productivity and manage projects seamlessly, CMiC offers a reliable solution.

Learn More about CMiC’s offerings here. 

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!