DHS: Illegal immigrant involved in hit-and-run that killed 21-year-old South Carolina student

A hit-and-run incident near the University of South Carolina claimed the life of a junior on Wednesday, with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials reporting the involvement of an alleged illegal immigrant.

Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, mentioned in a post on Thursday that the driver, who was “in our country illegally,” was responsible for the incident that resulted in the loss of 21-year-old Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, stating that he “should be alive today.”

In a statement, McLaughlin conveyed that “@DHSgov prays for Nate’s family, friends, and loved ones, and affirmed the department’s commitment to safeguarding innocent Americans like Nate.”

Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, 24, was 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, according to a statement from the Columbia Police Department (CPD).

The University of South Carolina’s FIJI fraternity remembered Nathanial “Nate” G. Baker, center, in a post on Instagram. (FIJI via Instagram)

A nearby CPD officer found and detained Fernandez-Cruz on the 1100 block of Greene Street. 

Two men were with Fernandez-Cruz at the time of the accident and also fled, according to police. No charges are pending against them. The immigration status of the other men is unknown.

The university confirmed in a statement that Baker was a business major from Glen Allen, Virginia.

“Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Nate’s family and friends during this difficult time,” according to university officials. “Counseling staff are actively working with those impacted, and services are available to any member of our campus community affected by this tragedy.”

South Carolina’s FIJI fraternity shared photos of Baker, center, after his death. (FIJI via Instagram)

Phi Gamma Delta confirmed in an Instagram post Baker was a member of its fraternity.

“Yesterday, we lost not just a brother, but a leader, a role model, and a true embodiment of what our fraternity stands for,” the fraternity wrote in the post. “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. May we honor his memory by living with the same kindness, selflessness and generosity that he showed to everyone around him. Rest in Peace Nathaniel Baker.”

University of South Carolina student Nathanial “Nate” Baker was killed in an alleged hit-and-run crash Wednesday. (Tricia McLaughlin via X)

The University of South Carolina College Panhellenic Association called the situation a tragedy in a statement on Instagram.

“Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with Nate’s family, friends, loved ones and our entire Greek community during this time,” the statement said. “Nate’s impact will continue to live on throughout the USC community, and will never be forgotten. We encourage our FSL community to stand together, love each other, and offer unconditional support to the brothers of Fiji following this tragedy.”

Fernandez-Cruz is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, according to CPD.

The Columbia Police Department, ICE, DHS and Phi Gamma Delta did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.