A Gardiner man has been charged with felony manslaughter in the hit-and-run death of SUNY New Paltz student Raymond Rattray.

According to authorities, Ty Kobelt, 33, was behind the wheel on Jan. 23 when his vehicle struck and killed Rattray, 22, as Rattray was walking along Route 208 near the SUNY New Paltz campus. Kobelt now faces felony counts of second-degree manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. If convicted on the manslaughter count, a Class C felony, Kobelt could face up to 15 years in state prison.

The investigation was laid out at a press conference at the college on March 25. At the conference, authorities said they had identified the vehicle involved, a 2018 Honda Accord, just 15 hours after Rattray’s body was discovered the day after the incident. Police said there was evidence that Kobelt had “taken steps” to hide the tell-tale damage to the car. The probe was a joint investigation which included the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the state police Collision Reconstruction Unit and Forensic Investigation Unit and New Paltz Police.

“This is a tragic event for the SUNY New Paltz community and Ulster County,” Sheriff Juan Figueroa said. “The carelessness shown to human life in several recent fatal hit-and-run accidents this year is unprecedented. This cannot be tolerated in a civilized society. Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Mr. Raymond Rattray.”

“Beyond the seriousness and significance of this case in a criminal prosecution, I call on all users of our roads, drivers and pedestrians alike, to be mindful that automobiles are dangerous instruments,” District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji said. “It is important that we preserve everyone’s safe use of the roads rather than have to search for fault in criminal and civil litigations which, in the end, can never bring back anyone lost to these tragedies involving pedestrians and vehicles.”

A grand jury handed up the indictment against Kobelt last week. The suspect was arraigned on March 25 before County Court Judge Bryan Rounds. Rounds followed the DA’s Office’s bail recommendation; Kobelt was sent to the Ulster County Jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, $500,000 bond or $750,000 partially secured bond pending a future court appearance.

The case will be prosecuted by Deputy Chief ADA Paul Derohannesian. Kobelt is represented by the county Public Defender’s Office.