USC mourns student killed in hit-and-run near campus

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — The University of South Carolina is mourning the death of one its students who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run near the USC campus Wednesday afternoon.

21-year-old Nathanial Baker of Glen Allen, Virginia, was driving his motorcycle westbound on Blossom Street when a pickup truck struck him and fled the scene.

The University issued the following statement to WACH FOX:

The university received confirmation of the death of one of our students, Nathanial 'Nate” Baker, a 21-year-old junior and business major from Glen Allen, Virginia. The death occurred following a traffic accident near the corner of Blossom and Assembly streets on Wednesday afternoon. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Nate’s family and friends during this difficult time. Counseling staff are actively working with those impacted, and services are available to any member of our campus community affected by this tragedy. The accident is currently under investigation by the Columbia Police Department.

24-year-old Rosali Fernndez Cruz was arrested by the Columbia Police Department and is accused of failing to yield the right of way while turning left at Blossom and Assembly Streets.

Fernandez Cruz has been charged with hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to give information and render aid, failure to yield the right of way, and driving without a license.

Authorities say Fernandez Cruz is wanted by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is expected in bond court at 2 pm on Thursday.

CPD has communicated with ICE regarding Fernandez Cruz's arrest.