Roderick MacLeod Fatally Struck by Driver with More than 100 Arrests

Musician Roderick MacLeod Dies in Tragic Accident

Roderick MacLeod, a Grammy-nominated musician, passed away on Saturday. Reports indicate that a driver with over 100 prior arrests lost control of her vehicle in Rhode Island, striking MacLeod while he was out walking his dog.

The Hopkinton Police Department posted on Facebook about the incident, which occurred around 7:21 a.m. on Spring Street in Hope Valley. MacLeod, who was identified later, was hit after a car driven by Shannon Godbout, 41, collided with a utility pole before hitting him.

According to police, Godbout was traveling east when she veered off the road, hitting two utility poles and then MacLeod, who was walking on the shoulder.

MacLeod was transported to Rhode Island Hospital via ambulance but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Investigators reported that Godbout was found with a significant amount of illegal narcotics and materials typically associated with drug distribution. She was arrested at the scene and later taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Godbout faces initial charges of reckless driving resulting in death and possessing a Schedule I/II substance with the intent to distribute. She is set to appear before a magistrate judge and will be referred to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office as a criminal offender, given her previous legal issues regarding probation.

Authorities mentioned that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could be forthcoming.

With a criminal history of over 100 arrests, including eight in Hopkinton, Godbout has 82 court warrants and 40 traffic violations, seven of which were local.

Remarkably, MacLeod’s dog survived the accident and made its way home.

MacLeod was a celebrated bassist, honored with a Grammy nomination and inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012 as part of Roomful of Blues. His close friend and fellow musician Doug James recalled MacLeod’s cheerful nature, describing him as “jolly and jovial.”

“He was really committed to everything, but it never felt forced. It just seemed to come so easily,” James shared. “He was a joy to be around and an excellent collaborator. Everyone who knew him would echo the same sentiment,” he added.