USC students mourn the loss of classmate killed near campus

A makeshift memorial for Nate Baker has appeared at Blossom and Assembly streets, near USC’s campus. (Photos by Morgan Dunn/Carolina News & Reporter)

USC students gathered throughout the day Friday at a makeshift memorial near USC’s campus to mourn the loss of fellow student Nate Baker.

Baker, 21, of Glen Allen, Virginia, was killed in an accident with a pickup truck while riding his motorcycle at Assembly and Blossom streets Wednesday.

Since the fatal accident, students have created the memorial with flowers, photos of him and letters from his loved ones to honor him. Students stopped by to pay their respects Thursday and Friday and say prayers.

South Carolina Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson announced Friday that his office, rather than Richland County’s prosecutor, will prosecute the case against the driver whose truck allegedly hit Baker. The driver, who is from El Salvador, is in the United States illegally, Wilson’s office said. He is charged with hit and run resulting in death, failure to render aid, failure to yield the right of way and driving without a license. The driver fled the scene but was arrested soon after.

Baker was loved by many, notably for his smile and kindness to others. 

Calob Sederbaum, who said he was a friend of Baker, said Baker was a “stand-up guy.”

“We lost a kid who had a really bright future,” he said.

Mia Cuzzo lived across the hall from Baker their freshman year and said he would always make an effort to be kind and say ‘hi’ to her.

“He was like, oh my god, the nicest kid,” Cuzzo said.

Caleb Rola used to work with Baker and said he really enjoyed the time they spent together, even though they didn’t know each other well.

“He made everyone happy around not only doing their jobs, but within themselves,” Rola said. 

Rola is still inspired by Baker’s positivity. 

“He had a really contagious smile that I wish I could have, but I don’t think I ever will,” he said.

Rola said that Baker was incredibly passionate about motorbiking.

“That was, like, his biggest passion that he had, and he would, he would always talk about it,” Rola said.

He said he is glad to see how everyone showed up for Baker.

“I’m just beyond grateful that he impacted everyone around us,” Rola said.

Many students who came to the memorial Friday said they didn’t know Baker but felt the tragedy’s impact.

Nick Fortino, a fellow student who didn’t know Baker, said Baker’s death hits close to home because of their closeness in age.

He said he didn’t expect someone so much like him to pass away, and that it has been a difficult experience for him.

He now reflects on his own life, making sure he doesn’t take anything for granted.

“No one has tomorrow guaranteed, and be thankful for all your friends and everyone who is still alive,” Fortino said.

Evie Konstantopluos, also a student, took a few moments to admire the memorial and pay her respects.

“I didn’t know Nate personally, but he was a Gamecock, we’re the same year, we go to the same school, we rooted for the same football team,” Konstantopluos said. “I mean, he was part of this community.” 

She said the memorial shows that USC can be unified, although it is over a great tragedy.

“It’s really wonderful that I get to be a part of a community that will come together like this to support the people that are here for Nate, to just support his life and celebrate it,” she said.