South-Carolina
University of South Carolina student, 21, killed in hit-and-run crash involving illegal immigrant: DHS
An illegal immigrant on the run from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement was busted for a devastating hit-and-run crash that killed a University of South Carolina student Wednesday, according to police and sources.
Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, 24, allegedly fled the fatal scene after he failed to yield and rammed his pick-up truck into a motorcycle operated by Nathanial Baker, 21, on Blossom and Assembly Streets near the university’s campus in Columbia around 2 p.m., according to the Columbia Police Department.
The careless motorist, who was allegedly driving without a license, was wanted by ICE since 2018, a Department of Homeland Security source told The Post.
“A South Carolina student was killed yesterday because of an illegal alien who had no right to be here,” South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said in an X post Thursday.
“We’re going to fight like hell to get every last illegal alien out of South Carolina. We’re praying for the victim, his family, and the students at USC who have been touched by his passing. Hold the Line South Carolina.”
Sources said Fernandez-Cruz, a native of El Salvador, illegally crossed the US-Mexico border at an unknown date but was arrested by border patrol in Hidalgo, Texas on Dec. 24, 2016. He was released the next day and issued a notice to appear as DHS initiated removal proceedings.
An immigration judge in Charlotte, North Carolina, then ordered the undocumented migrant to be sent back to his home country on Sept. 6, 2018, sources said.
South Carolina police said Fernandez-Cruz was driving with two male passengers when he killed Baker, a business major from Glen Allen, Virginia, and fled the crash site. He then abandoned his truck and was nabbed by a nearby officer who found and detained him near the 1100 block of Greene Street, according to cops.
ICE was notified of the arrest after police discovered Fernandez-Cruz’s name listed in the National Crime Information Center database.
The two passengers, who also ran from the scene, aren’t facing criminal charges, police said.
Scores of grief-stricken USC students have since created a memorial on a sidewalk near the deadly crash site, leaving behind messages in chalk, flowers, pictures, and candles, according to local reports.
“Rest in Peace, Nate,” one message said, WACH reported.
“Thank you for the memories. We love you so much.”
Baker’s fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, also shared their sorrow on Instagram, calling their fallen brother a leader, role model and a true embodiment of what their group stands for.
“Nate Baker brought light, laughter, and love into all of our lives,” the fraternity wrote in the post.
“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.”
The university released a statement calling the situation a tragedy. School officials offered their deepest sympathies to Baker’s family and friends while reminding the campus community that university counselors are available to grieving students.
Fernandez-Cruz 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.
He is being held without bond at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
Meechie Johnson Jr. leads the South Carolina Gamecocks (9-5, 0-1 SEC) into a road game against Marquel Sutton and the LSU Tigers (12-2, 0-1 SEC) at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Tuesday, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
Read below where we dive into all of the info you need to know about this contest, including how to watch on TV.
As college basketball matchups continue, prepare for the outing with what you need to know before Tuesday’s game.
LSU vs. South Carolina: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Game time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Arena: Pete Maravich Assembly Center
- TV Channel: ESPNU
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
LSU vs. South Carolina stats and trends
- This season, LSU is posting 87.8 points per game (28th-ranked in college basketball) and surrendering 71.3 points per contest (131st-ranked).
- So far this season, the Tigers are averaging 37.4 boards per game (33rd-ranked in college basketball) and allowing 29.2 rebounds per contest (92nd-ranked).
- This year, LSU ranks 104th in college basketball in assists, dishing out 15.8 per game.
- The Tigers are committing 10.5 turnovers per game (96th-ranked in college basketball) this season, while forcing 10.5 turnovers per contest (289th-ranked).
- This season, LSU is sinking 6.9 treys per game (269th-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 33.2% (218th-ranked) from downtown.
- The Tigers rank 226th in college basketball with 8.1 three-pointers allowed per game this year. Meanwhile, they rank 183rd with a 33.1% shooting percentage allowed from three-point land.
- LSU is attempting 38 two-pointers per game this season, which account for 64.6% of the shots it has attempted (and 76.9% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 20.9 treys per contest, which are 35.4% of its shots (and 23.1% of the team’s buckets).
LSU vs. South Carolina Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Tigers (-7.5)
- Moneyline: LSU (-347), South Carolina (+274)
- Total: 149.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 3:31 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — The City of Darlington received a $957,000 grant from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) to upgrade the Woodcreek Pump Station.
The project eliminates the current station on Country Club Road and will flow to the Woodcreek pump station while it is being renovated.
The city said that this will better serve those who live within the Darlington County Club by utilizing newer technology.
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“This project has been on the City’s radar for quite some time now,” said City of Darlington Public Utilities Director Michael Morris. “The City is very thankful to receive this grant funding. It will be impactful to the residents in the Darlington Country Club, and it will enhance the service in the area.”
The funding is a part of a $23 million investment by the SC RIA to upgrade the state’s capital improvement.
The Woodcreek Pump Station Upgrade project is set to begin construction in 2026.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 4, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Jan. 4 drawing
Evening: 4-3-2, FB: 3
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Jan. 4 drawing
Evening: 5-0-6-8, FB: 3
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Jan. 4 drawing
Evening: 06
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Jan. 4 drawing
03-15-21-28-31
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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