An illegal immigrant who hit and killed a South Carolina college student and then fled the scene on Wednesday has been arrested and charged.
Rosali Fernandez Cruz, 24, failed to yield while driving his truck and struck Nathanial G. Baker, 21, who was driving a motorcycle, according to the Columbia Police Department.
According to the department, which notified the agency of his arrest, Fernandez Cruz is wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“After the collision, Fernandez Cruz is accused of not stopping or rendering aid to the victim or reporting the incident to police,” the Columbia Police Department said. “He’s further accused of driving away from the scene and running from the vehicle.”
Fernandez Cruz was also charged for driving without a license.
Baker, a student at the University of South Carolina, was transported to a hospital but pronounced dead.
“This tragedy should have never happened,” U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. “I am praying for Nate, his family and loved ones. We will get Nate and his family justice.”
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace said Baker’s death marks “another life stolen by an illegal alien who shouldn’t have been here.”
“South Carolina’s kids are our everything—I’ll be damned if I let another parent bury their child because of an illegal alien,” the South Carolina Republican added.
Tributes to Baker poured in on University of South Carolina’s campus since his death on Wednesday.
“Nate Baker brought light, laughter, and love into all of our lives. Nate will always be remembered for the way he showed up for others and the impact he had on everyone around him. His passion, loyalty, and love for this brotherhood will never be forgotten,” Phi Gamma Delta, Baker’s fraternity, said in a post.
