University of South Carolina student, Nate Baker, 21, was a junior majoring in business at his time of death. (Fiji South Carolina)

A source from the Department of Homeland Security earlier informed Fox News Digital that Fernandez-Cruz had been detained by border patrol in Hidalgo, Texas, on December 24, 2016. In September 2018, an immigration judge in Charlotte, North Carolina, mandated Fernandez-Cruz’s deportation to El Salvador.

At the time of the crash, Fernandez-Cruz was wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), police said.

Fernandez-Cruz was accompanied by two other men during the accident, who also fled as per police reports. There are currently no charges against these men. Their immigration status remains unverified.

File photo of University of South Carolina student, Nate Baker, 21, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle incident on April 2, 2025. The suspect accused of causing Baker’s death, Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, 24, is reported to be an unauthorized immigrant. (Fiji South Carolina)

The Phi Gamma Delta chapter at USC described Baker as “not just a brother, but a leader, a role model, and a true embodiment of what our fraternity stands for.”

“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,” the fraternity wrote in an Instagram post. “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.”

Fox News’ Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.