Nathanial Baker Obituary, Death – The University of South Carolina (USC) confirmed that a student was killed in a crash on Wednesday afternoon. The victim was identified as 21-year-old Nathanial “Nate” Baker, a junior majoring in business.
The fatal accident occurred at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets in Columbia. According to the Columbia Police Department (CPD), Baker was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by a pickup truck. Emergency responders transported him to Prisma Health Richland, but he later died from his injuries.
The driver of the pickup truck, 24-year-old Rosali Fernandez Cruz, fled the scene after the crash. However, police were able to locate and arrest him. Cruz now faces multiple charges, including hit and run resulting in death, failure to render aid, and driving without a license.
Baker was an active member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at USC. The fraternity’s president described him as a well-respected and beloved individual. In the fall, Baker was honored with the Brother of the Year award and also served as the fraternity’s Tailgate Chair and Corresponding Secretary.
“People in our chapter regarded him as the best human being and someone you wanted as a friend,” the fraternity president shared. “He knew how to fix anything and always made people smile.”
In response to the tragedy, USC has made counseling services available to students and staff in need of support.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Further updates on the case may be provided as the situation develops.
