Roderick MacLeod killed by driver who has over 100 prior arrests

Grammy-nominated musician Roderick MacLeod has died after being struck by a car while walking his dog in Rhode Island, police said.

The crash occurred in Hopkinton at around 7:20 am on Saturday. Police said MacLeod, 70, was walking along the shoulder of the road when a vehicle veered out of its lane, struck two telephone poles and then hit him.

He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died from his injuries. His dog survived the collision and ran home, according to local reports.

MacLeod was a longtime bassist with Roomful of Blues, receiving a Grammy nomination during his time with the band in the 1980s. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame and recently worked as a teaching associate at Brown University as well as a director of the school’s Old-Time String Band.

Police identified the driver as 41-year-old Shannon Godbout. Officers said she was found at the scene with illegal narcotics and packaging materials linked to drug distribution.

Godbout was arrested and charged with driving so as to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. Police said additional charges may follow.

According to investigators, Godbout has more than 100 prior arrests, along with 82 court warrants and around 40 traffic citations.

Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to MacLeod, describing him as upbeat, gifted and a musician who brought joy to every project he touched.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Aasiya Nazir