Local store to help founders of The Nate Foundation honor the life of USC student killed in a hit-and-run

USC Student Nate Baker. Baker died after being struck in a hit-and-run in April 2025. His parents started The NATE Foundation to navigate grief and help others do the same. (Source: Leslie Baker)

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — Dealing with the loss of a child is never easy for any parent. How does one grieve and move forward when the unexpected happens? Leslie Baker faced that question when her son, Nate Baker, died at the age of 21.

Nate was riding his motorcycle near the University of South Carolina (USC), when the driver of a truck struck and killed him in April 2025. That driver, who the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says was an illegal alien, left the scene and was later arrested. According to DHS, he received a one-year sentence and will be deported once he completes that sentence.

“My husband Dan and I knew that we wanted to continue to carry Nate’s legacy forward and that it was important in our healing to have a place to put our grief,” Leslie explained.

At the time of his death, Nate attended the University of South Carolina (USC) and studied business. Known for his curiosity and love of helping others, Leslie says Nate was a loyal son, brother and friend.

“Nate’s personality and smile were as bright as the sun, and he would bring a jovial light to any room he entered or any group he was around. In a room full of strangers, Nate would become ‘fast friends’ with anyone he didn’t know, because he would take the time to learn about them, find something in common, and notice what they may need,” Leslie recalled when asked to describe her son.

Nate Baker and his mother, Leslie Baker. (Source: Leslie Baker)

Out of their tragedy, Leslie and her husband decided to start The NATE Foundation. “NATE” stands for Never Another Tragic Ending. The foundation’s website describes the organization’s mission this way:

“At The NATE Foundation, we turn heartbreak into healing by creating resources, funding futures, and supporting those affected by loss. Our work is grounded in compassion and built to bring hope to grieving communities. Tragedy may shake us, but it doesn’t define the ending—it’s where our work begins.”

The NATE Foundation created a grief response toolkit for high schools and colleges to use when a student dies unexpectedly, and its website provides access to other resources for dealing with grief. Additionally, the foundation is working to set up scholarships for students who want to become grief counselors. People interested in helping expand these efforts, can donate by visiting The NATE Foundation website.

Another way to support the effort is by going shopping at the “Color Your Story — Creating New Beginnings While Giving Back” event hosted by Kendra Scott Columbia at Trenholm Plaza, from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.

Once learning about Nate’s story, USC Graduate and Store Manager Grace Gilbaugh knew the effort was one she and her team needed to join.

“I am incredibly proud to be a Gamecock, and one of the things I have always loved about USC is the sense of family and community that extends far beyond graduation,” said Grace. “Supporting The NATE Foundation is one way that I, along with my team at Kendra Scott Columbia, can help show Nate’s family that the Columbia and USC communities continue to remember him and stand behind what they are building in his honor.”

About the store’s willingness to partner with the foundation, Leslie said, “We deeply appreciate all they have done and look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership for many years to come. Together, we can transform compassion into action and ensure that no student, family or community has to navigate sudden loss alone.”

During Friday’s event, the store will donate 20% of sales to the foundation’s mission.