Columbia, South Carolina — A tragic hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 21-year-old University of South Carolina student has prompted the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office to take over prosecution efforts. The suspect, a 24-year-old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, is facing multiple charges in connection with the fatal collision.
The Incident
On April 2, 2025, University of South Carolina student Nathanial “Nate” Baker was fatally struck while riding his motorcycle near the university campus in Columbia. Authorities say Baker was hit by a pickup truck that failed to yield the right of way at an intersection.
The driver, later identified as Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after the collision by local police. Baker was pronounced dead at the hospital, leaving behind grieving family, friends, and classmates.
Phi Gamma Delta, the fraternity to which Baker belonged, released a statement calling him “a leader, a role model, and a true embodiment of what our fraternity stands for.”
The Suspect’s Immigration Background
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Fernandez-Cruz had been in the country illegally since 2016. He was issued a final deportation order in 2018 but had managed to remain in the United States undetected.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Fernandez-Cruz was previously flagged for removal but was never deported. ICE’s enforcement priorities and current procedures for handling deportation cases can be found on their official website: ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Charges Filed
Fernandez-Cruz is facing several charges including:
- Hit-and-run resulting in death
- Failure to provide information and render aid
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Driving without a license
He is currently being held without bond at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County. Under South Carolina law, hit-and-run resulting in death is a felony offense that carries significant prison time. More information about state laws on such charges can be found on the South Carolina Legislature’s official website.
Attorney General Steps In
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced his office would prosecute the case, citing the state’s commitment to upholding both criminal and immigration laws.
“This is a tragedy that should have never happened,” Wilson said. “Illegal immigration is one of the top priorities for the state of South Carolina. As the state’s top prosecutor, I will always make it a priority to enforce the law.”
Wilson’s office has pledged to coordinate closely with federal authorities, including ICE, to ensure there are no gaps in the judicial process. More details on the Attorney General’s jurisdiction and responsibilities can be found on the South Carolina Attorney General’s website.
Community and Political Reactions
The fatal crash has stirred emotional and political reactions across South Carolina. Students at the University of South Carolina held a vigil in honor of Baker, remembering him as a dedicated business major from Glen Allen, Virginia, with a promising future.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have seized on the incident to spotlight concerns about immigration enforcement. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) commented on social media, “A South Carolina student was killed yesterday because of an immigration failure that allowed a dangerous individual to remain in our communities.”
The case has reignited debates over immigration policy enforcement at both the state and federal levels, particularly involving individuals with existing deportation orders who remain in the country unlawfully.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office is currently building the case, and a court date is expected to be announced soon. Fernandez-Cruz will be tried under state law, but federal immigration authorities are also monitoring the case closely and may initiate removal proceedings once the criminal charges are resolved.
According to ICE protocols, any non-citizen who poses a threat to public safety or has committed a serious crime is a priority for removal. The agency’s removal process guidelines are detailed on the ICE ERO webpage.
Support for the Victim’s Family
University officials have offered counseling services to students affected by the tragedy. The university president released a statement saying, “We mourn the loss of a bright young man, and we extend our deepest condolences to Nate Baker’s family and friends.”
A memorial fund has been established in Baker’s name, with proceeds going toward supporting road safety education programs and scholarship initiatives within the university.
Conclusion
This case underscores ongoing concerns over immigration enforcement and public safety. With the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office now leading the prosecution, state officials are signaling a tougher stance on undocumented individuals who commit crimes within state lines.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and restoring a sense of safety for the university and surrounding community.
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