By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-04-04 16:51:25 | Updated at 2025-04-05 08:13:16
15 hours ago
A junior at the University of South Carolina was run over and killed by an illegal migrant from El Salvador previously arrested and released almost a decade ago, according to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The hit-and-run killed 21-year-old Nathanial 'Nate' G. Baker, who was riding a motorcycle, directly in front of the university campus in downtown Columbia on Wednesday.
Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, 24, failed to yield and turned left into the intersection of Assembly and Blossom Streets before smashing his truck into Baker, the Columbia Police Department said.
Fernandez-Cruz is also accused of driving away from the scene before getting out of his car and attempting to flee. An officer gave chase and detained the suspect.
Two men with Fernandez-Cruz at the time of the accident also fled, according to police. No charges are pending against them and their immigration statuses are unknown.
Baker was eventually taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Fernandez-Cruz was charged with hit and run resulting in death, failure to give information and render aid, and failure to yield the right of way. He was also charged with driving without a license.
Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, said in a statement that the suspect was 'in our country illegally' and that Baker 'should be alive today.'
Nathanial 'Nate' G. Baker, a junior at the University of South Carolina, was killed Wednesday in a hit-and-run crash. He was riding a motorcycle and was struck by a truck
Columbia police say 24-year-old Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, an illegal migrant from El Salvador, was the man behind the wheel of the truck that killed Baker (Pictured: Fernandez-Cruz appears in court after he was charged in connection with the crash)
She added that DHS 'prays for Nate's family, friends, and loved ones and will work every day to protect innocent Americans like Nate.'
After Columbia police apprehended Fernandez-Cruz, they learned he was wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The police department has communicated with the agency regarding his arrest.
Fernandez-Cruz was ordered out of the country in 2018 by an immigration judge
A source within DHS told Fox News Fernandez-Cruz was previously arrested by US Border Patrol officers in Hidalgo, Texas, on December 24, 2016.
An immigration judge then ordered him back to El Salvador nearly two years later on September 6, 2018.
Baker was a business major from Glen Allen, Virginia, according to a statement from the University of South Carolina.
'Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Nate's family and friends during this difficult time,' according to university officials. 'Counseling staff are actively working with those impacted, and services are available to any member of our campus community affected by this tragedy.'
Baker was a member of the university's chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, a fraternity commonly known as Fiji.
'Yesterday, we lost not just a brother, but a leader, a role model, and a true embodiment of what our fraternity stands for,' the organization wrote in a statement on Instagram.
Pictured: Heartbroken students at the University of South Carolina who knew Baker gather around a memorial for him that was set up on campus
Clay Best, a fraternity brother, told WIS10 he'll make sure Baker 'lives through us,' adding that he is 'grateful that I got the chance know him'
Baker (center) pictured with two of his fraternity brothers at an event
The statement continued: 'Nate Baker brought light, laughter, and love into all of our lives. Nate will always be remembered for the way he showed up for others and the impact he had on everyone around him.'
'His passion, loyalty, and love for this brotherhood will never be forgotten. May we honor his memory by living with the same kindness, selflessness and generosity that he showed to everyone around him. Rest in Peace Nathaniel Baker.'
Clay Best, a fraternity brother, told WIS10 he'll make sure Baker 'lives through us,' adding that he is 'grateful that I got the chance know him.'
Aidan Roberts, one of Baker’s fraternity brothers, said he knew him for the past three years. He was among the many students who gathered around a memorial on campus.
'He is probably one of the best guys I’ve ever met. He’s such a guys guy, always helping a hand whenever you need him, guy’s morning or night, he would literally do anything for you. He’s one of the best people I have ever come across and we are all lucky to have known him,' Roberts said.
People who knew him said he was the nicest person and that his smile will be the thing they remember the most.
The Columbia Police Department revealed to the local outlet that there were 27 collisions last year at the intersection where Baker was killed this week.
