Hit-and-Run Leaves University Student Dead, Driver Flees the Scene
A tragedy unfolded on the evening of April 3, 2025, as Nathanial “Nate” Baker, a 21-year-old business major at the University of South Carolina, was struck by a pickup truck while riding his motorcycle near Blossom and Assembly Streets. The driver, who hit Nate with devastating force, didn’t even stop to check if he was okay. Instead, they fled the scene, leaving Nate broken and dying on the asphalt, all alone in his final moments.
The Incident: A Life Taken in an Instant
Nate had been enjoying a late evening ride when, in an instant, his life was tragically cut short. The pickup truck, driven by Rosali Fernandez Cruz, swerved into Nate’s path, striking him with such force that it caused catastrophic injuries. Emergency responders arrived quickly on the scene after receiving reports of the accident. They rushed Nate to Prisma Health Richland Hospital in critical condition, but despite their best efforts, the young student succumbed to his injuries soon after.
For those who knew Nate, his death is an unfathomable loss. The shock of such a violent incident, compounded by the fact that the driver chose to flee without offering any aid, has left the community devastated and searching for answers.
The Callousness of the Hit-and-Run
What makes this tragedy even more unbearable is the callousness of the driver involved. After the crash, Rosali Fernandez Cruz did not stop to offer help, leaving Nate to die alone on the street. Instead, Cruz sped off into the night, vanishing into the city’s streets. In the aftermath, the entire community was left in disbelief as to how someone could act with such disregard for another person’s life.
A hit-and-run is a heinous crime—one that shows a shocking lack of humanity. Cruz’s decision to leave the scene and avoid any responsibility for the consequences of his actions has sparked anger and outrage, particularly within the USC community, where Nate was a well-loved figure.
The Investigation and Arrest
Fortunately, law enforcement did not rest until they found Cruz. Through extensive investigation, including eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage from nearby areas, police were able to identify Cruz as the driver of the truck involved in the hit-and-run. The authorities soon caught up with him, and Cruz was arrested. The charges against him include hit-and-run, driving without a license, and failure to assist an injured person.
Cruz’s actions have not only led to a tragic loss of life but also raised questions about accountability and the importance of holding drivers responsible for their actions on the road. No one should have to face such an ordeal, especially not when the person who caused the harm is allowed to simply walk away from the scene without consequence.
Remembering Nathanial “Nate” Baker
For those who knew Nate, his loss is felt deeply. A business major at the University of South Carolina, Nate was a bright, ambitious young man with a promising future ahead of him. More than just a student, Nate was a cherished member of his fraternity, where he was known as someone who always brought positive energy and a sense of camaraderie to every room. His fraternity brothers have spoken out about how Nate was “the best among them,” always looking out for others and fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and kindness.
Nate’s death has left his fraternity heartbroken. The tight-knit group of young men that Nate was a part of has been forever changed by the loss of their brother. Their grief is compounded by the manner of his death—such an unnecessary and violent end to a life that had so much potential.
In the days following the incident, tributes and messages of support have poured in from Nate’s friends, professors, and peers. Everyone who knew him describes a person who was humble, driven, and endlessly supportive of those around him. His loss has not only affected his immediate circle of friends and family but has rippled through the entire university community.
A Community in Mourning
The University of South Carolina community, and the city of Columbia at large, is now left to process the loss of a young man with so much promise. For many, Nate was a symbol of hope and hard work—someone who was going places, someone who had bright ambitions. That future was stolen from him in an instant, and the weight of that fact is unbearable for those who loved him.
The USC fraternity community, in particular, is struggling to come to terms with the fact that a man they considered a brother was taken away so violently and without warning. His fraternity brothers have vowed to honor Nate’s memory by living up to the ideals he embodied: loyalty, respect, and support for others. While they will never be able to bring him back, they are committed to ensuring his legacy is never forgotten.
The Legal Consequences for Rosali Fernandez Cruz
As of now, Rosali Fernandez Cruz faces serious charges that could bring significant consequences. The hit-and-run charge alone carries severe penalties, and the fact that Cruz was driving without a license only adds to the gravity of the situation. If convicted, Cruz could face substantial jail time, a loss of driving privileges, and possibly restitution to the family of the victim.
Yet, for many, no legal penalty will ever be enough to bring justice for Nate. While the arrest of Cruz brings some closure to the investigation, it does little to heal the pain felt by Nate’s family and friends. The emotional toll of losing a loved one in such a senseless and brutal manner is something that no amount of punishment can erase.
Final Thoughts and Community Support
As the investigation continues and the case moves through the legal system, the memory of Nathanial “Nate” Baker will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His family, friends, and fraternity brothers will continue to grieve his loss, but they will also carry forward his legacy—one of kindness, ambition, and integrity.
In this time of sorrow, the community has rallied around Nate’s family, offering support, comfort, and solidarity. Fundraisers, memorial services, and events honoring Nate’s life have been planned, as his loved ones work through the pain of his loss. The support from the community speaks to the positive impact Nate had on everyone around him, even in the short time he was with us.
No one should have to endure such a tragic and untimely death, and no one should be left to die on the pavement while those responsible walk away. But Nate’s family and friends vow to remember him not for the way he died, but for the way he lived—a young man with a heart full of potential, taken far too soon.
We extend our deepest condolences to Nathanial “Nate” Baker’s family, friends, fraternity brothers, and all those who were touched by his life. May his spirit live on in the memories of those who loved him, and may his story inspire us all to live with kindness, integrity, and compassion.