SUNY New Paltz Student Struck, Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver

NEW PALTZ, NY — A SUNY New Paltz student was struck and killed by a car Wednesday while walking along a road.

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday on Route 208 in the town of New Paltz.

Deputies responded to Route 208 between the area of Hawk Drive and Cross Creek Road for a report of a body found on the side of a road.

When they arrived, they found the body of a man in a wooded area about 20 feet from the road.

He was identified as Raymond E. Rattray, 22, of New York City, and was a student at SUNY New Paltz.

The investigation determined that around 5:11 p.m. Tuesday Rattray was walking home from class on Route 208 on the shoulder of the southbound lane and was struck by a dark-colored sedan traveling south. Police said the car fled the scene, but sustained damage to the front-end on the passenger side.

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted with this investigation by the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, New York State Police BCI, the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, SUNY New Paltz Police and the Town of New Paltz Police Department.

Authorities said this remains an open and active investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about it is encouraged to call the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office. To speak with a detective, call 845-338-3640 or call the confidential tip line at 845-340-3599.