Nathanial Nate Baker Obituary, Death; – The University of South Carolina (USC) announced on Thursday morning that one of its students tragically lost his life in a collision that occurred on Wednesday afternoon.
The student has been identified as 21-year-old Nathanial “Nate” Baker, a junior majoring in business. The incident took place at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly streets. According to the Columbia Police Department (CPD), Baker was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by a pickup truck. Emergency Medical Services transported him to Prisma Health Richland, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the pickup truck, identified by CPD as 24-year-old Rosali Fernandez Cruz, fled the scene following the accident. However, law enforcement was able to locate and apprehend him. Cruz faces charges of hit and run resulting in death, failure to provide assistance, and driving without a valid license.
Baker was also an active member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. The fraternity president informed WIS News 10 that Baker was honored as Brother of the Year in the fall and held the positions of Tailgate Chair and Corresponding Secretary.
“Members of our chapter viewed him as an exceptional individual and a true friend,” the fraternity president remarked. “He had a talent for fixing things and bringing joy to others.” The university has made counseling services available to support its community members during this difficult time.
