USC Student Killed in Hit-and-Run; Suspect in Custody

University of South Carolina student Nathanial 'Nate' Baker, 21, was killed in a hit-and-run accident on April 2 at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly Streets in Columbia, South Carolina. The driver, 24-year-old Rosali Fernandez Cruz, fled the scene but was later apprehended by police. He faces multiple charges including hit-and-run resulting in death and driving without a license. DHS officials confirmed Fernandez Cruz is an illegal immigrant with a prior deportation order. The incident has sparked grief and memorials among the USC community, with students and fraternity members remembering Baker as a cherished friend and role model. Columbia Police Department continues to investigate the crash, and Fernandez Cruz remains in custody with bail denied.