A well-loved musician from Rhode Island lost his life while out for a walk with his dog after being hit by a car driven by a person with an extensive criminal record.
The tragic incident happened around 7:20 a.m. on Saturday in Hopkinton. Shannon Godbout veered off her lane, hitting several objects—including two utility poles—before colliding with 70-year-old Roderick MacLeod, who was walking his puppy at the time. Information from the Hopkinton Police Department confirmed the details.
MacLeod, a Grammy-nominated bassist and a member of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital where he was later declared dead.
Fortunately, MacLeod’s dog managed to survive and returned home after the accident.
Godbout, who is 41, was found at the scene with various illegal drugs and packaging materials typically linked to drug distribution.
She has been arrested and is facing charges of dangerous driving causing death as well as possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, marking her third offense.
The police noted her extensive criminal background, which includes over 100 arrests, 82 bench warrants, and 40 traffic violations.
Godbout is set to appear before a magistrate and will be referred to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office due to her criminal history.
MacLeod was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012 as part of the band Roomful of Blues. He had even received a Grammy nomination during the 1980s. Recently, he served as a faculty member at Brown University, where he was the director of the Old Time String Band.
Additionally, he volunteered for 51 years with the New Hackensack Fire Department and was serving as fire commissioner at the time of his passing.
Doug James, a long-time friend and fellow musician, remembered MacLeod as “bubbly and cheerful.” He noted that MacLeod was a remarkable addition to any situation and excelled in everything he did. James remarked, “It looked like it came so easily,” referencing MacLeod’s apparent ease with music and commitment.
MacLeod is survived by his wife, Karen, with whom he shared nearly 47 years, as well as a daughter, Kate (Manny) Valdivia, and grandchildren Mance, Roddy, Ruthanne, and Megan.
