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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WYFF4: Asheville deadly hit-and-run, woman arrested
- Google Search: Asheville hit-and-run incident
- WLTX: Hit-and-run in Lexington County, SC
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- Island Packet: Local crime news
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic accidents
- Live 5 News: Fatal hit-and-run in Moncks Corner
- Google News: Fatal hit-and-run Moncks Corner
- WACH: Authorities seeking information about Lexington County hit-and-run
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University 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 Myrtle Beach Area 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.
