Who was Roderick MacLeod? Details on driver Shannon Godbout

Rhode Island musician Roderick MacLeod, also known as “Rory,” died on Saturday morning, December 6, while he was out for a walk with his dog in Hopkinton. He was 70 years old.

According to police, “Shannon Godbout,” a 41-year-old woman with a long record of arrests, was driving east on 42 Spring Street on Route 138. She suddenly moved into another lane, hit several objects, and then struck MacLeod with her black SUV. She also reportedly hit two telephone poles during the crash.

The Hopkinton Police Department arrived around 7:20 a.m. and confirmed that the pedestrian was Roderick MacLeod. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital by Hope Valley Ambulance, but he died from his injuries. Police said MacLeod’s dog survived the crash and ran back home.

Nearby resident Marilyn Grant told NBC 10 News:
“I just heard two different, heavy loud thumps. I looked out this way and saw a dog just running straight down this way.”

A Respected Musician

Roderick MacLeod played bass for the swing revival and jump blues band Roomful of Blues during the 1980s. The band received two Grammy nominations during that time. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012.

Even after leaving the band, MacLeod continued to perform with Roomful of Blues founder Duke Robillard and worked with other artists such as Paul Geremia.

MacLeod and his wife, fiddle player Sandol Astrausky, also directed the Old-Time String Band at Brown University. They taught several musical instruments, including banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar.

Roomful of Blues posted a tribute on Facebook:
“Roomful of Blues would like to extend our deepest condolences to Rory Macleod’s family, friends and all of his fans. We would like to acknowledge his diverse musical contributions as well as being a wonderful and gentle soul.There are no words for such an immense loss. RIP dear friend.”

Driver “Shannon Godbout” Has a Long Criminal History

Hopkinton Police said the Rhode Island State Police Accident Reconstruction Team is helping investigate the accident.

“Shannon N. Godbout,” the driver who hit MacLeod, is facing early charges of “Driving so as to endanger, resulting in death” and “Possession of narcotics, Schedule I/II with intent to distribute, 3rd plus offense.” Police said more charges may be added as the investigation continues.

Officers found illegal narcotics and packaging materials commonly used for drug distribution inside her vehicle.

Godbout was first taken to Westerly Hospital for medical evaluation. Hopkinton Police Chief Mark J. Carrier said she is currently being held in custody at Rhode Island Hospital, adding:
“The Hopkinton Police Department is collaborating closely with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office to present her in court as a probation violator.”

Police revealed that Shannon has a long criminal record. She has been arrested over 100 times, including 8 arrests at Hopkinton Police. She has received 40 traffic citations, 7 of which were issued by Hopkinton Police. She also has 82 court warrants against her.

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