A tragic incident unfolded in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, as a renowned musician, once nominated for a Grammy, lost his life in a vehicular accident. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, just before 7:30 a.m., as the musician, MacLeod, 70, was out for a walk with his dog on Spring Street.

The driver involved, Shannon Godbout, is alleged to have lost control of her vehicle, veering off the road and striking MacLeod. The collision also resulted in damage to two telephone poles. This unfortunate event adds to Godbout’s extensive legal history, which includes over 100 arrests, 82 warrants, and 40 traffic citations, according to local police reports.

MacLeod’s contributions to the music world were significant, having been a bassist and a member of the acclaimed band Roomful of Blues during the 1980s. His time with the band earned him a Grammy nomination, marking a highlight in his illustrious career. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries at Rhode Island Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence and a community in mourning.

Godbout had previously been arrested over 100 times and had 82 warrants issued, as well as 40 traffic citations, according police said.

The esteemed musician, who later succumbed to his injuries in Rhode Island Hospital, was a long-time bassist and a one-time member of Roomful of Blues in the 1980s, with whom he was nominated for a Grammy. 

‘We would like to acknowledge his diverse musical contributions as well as being a wonderful and gentle soul,’ the blues group posted on Facebook. 

‘There are no words for such an immense loss. RIP dear friend.’ 

MacLeod spent time playing with many other groups throughout his life, including for JB and the Sliding Capos, NBC affiliate WJAR reported. 

Grammy-nominated musician Rory MacLeod, 70, was struck and killed by a driver while walking his dog on Saturday morning

The accused driver, 41-year-old Shannon Godbout, has been been arrested 102 times and issued 40 citations

Godbout was allegedly found in possession of ‘numerous illegal narcotics’ as well as packaging materials ‘commonly associated with drug distribution’

Doug James, a fellow musician, former Roomful band mate and friend of 40 years, said that McLeod was ‘just always upbeat and cheerful.’

‘He was a good addition to anything he did. Few people play that well on everything, and he did,’ James told the outlet. ‘He really worked hard at all the stuff he did, but it never looked like that it always just came very easily – it appeared to come easily.’

Godbout was put into police custody at the hospital and is set to appear in court on Tuesday facing her most serious charges out of a long history, driving to endanger resulting in death and drug possession with intent to distribute. 

Hopkinton police said that Godbout was found to be in possession of ‘numerous illegal narcotics’ as well as packaging materials ‘commonly associated with drug distribution.’

Among the multiple arrests, court records obtained by WJAR showed that 41-year-old Godbout had 36 criminal cases against her since she turned 18. 

Her longest stint in jail was just more than two years after facing charges of drug possession five times, 13 cases of shoplifting, five larceny charges, possession of a stolen vehicle or driving without the owner’s consent four times and driving with a suspended license ten times, the outlet reported. 

Courts had ordered Godbout into substance abuse counselling seven times, the most recent occurring in April.  

For many of her cases, the seasoned criminal plead no contest and she was given suspended sentences, therefore not sentenced to jail, according to the outlet. 

Godbout was arrested and is in the custody of Hopkinton police in hospital 

In recent years, with his wife Sandol Astrausky, MacLeod spent time teaching the banjo, guitar and bass to students for the Old Time String Band program at Brown University

The offence that killed the beloved musician will result in Godbout appearing before court for violating probation and the new charges, police said. 

MacLeod’s childhood best friend wrote in a Facebook post that the musician’s death was ‘senseless,’ and added that ‘this unfathomable loss is profound and gut wrenching.’

A friend and former bandmate of MacLeod wrote on Facebook: ‘It is with great sadness that today I found out that a good friend, band mate, and wonderful spirit was tragically stolen from us Saturday morning by a reckless driver.’ 

‘I will miss you Rory MacLeod. All the fun we had on the gigs we’ve played together, sharing some conversation over a beer and some roasted brussel sprouts at Sneekers. Some good times right there my Brother. You will be forever missed my Friend. Rest In Heavenly Peace Rory,’ the post added.

In recent years, with his wife Sandol Astrausky, MacLeod, who was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012, spent time teaching the banjo, guitar and bass to students for the Old Time String Band program at Brown University. 

MacLeod and his wife, who was a fiddle player since she was eight, met through music, The Westerly Sun reported. 

The pair were married for 20 years and continued on with their passion for music, while regularly hosting jam sessions at their Hope Valley home. 

Bob Bell, the former Roomful manager, said in a statement on Facebook that he had been ‘horrified’ to learn of MacLeod’s passing. 

MacLeod and his wife, Sandol Astrausky, who both continued their passion for music throughout their lives

MacLeod with one set of former bandmates at a Rockabilly Music Festival, seen from the left Bill Coover, MacLeod, Jeff Spencer and Terry Bingham

MacLeod’s childhood best friend wrote on social media that the musician’s death was ‘senseless,’ and added that ‘this unfathomable loss is profound and gut wrenching’

Bell said MacLeod was the kind of man ‘who would do anything in his power to help anyone, at any time.’   

‘Having Rory in the band was fun, musically and socially. To be sure, he was always a rock-solid, swinging, and driving bass player, but he was also a gas to travel with. Good humored, easy-going, always ready to help.

‘The Rory I remember was Rory the musician, a fine human and a dog lover. Back in the 80s everywhere he went, his dog Walter accompanied him. 

‘Thus dear sweet and gentle Rory was taken from this world while walking his dog, no doubt a tune whistling through his lips, taken in a brutal and suddenly jarring earth-shattering moment,’ the statement concluded.

According to Bell, the musician’s dog survived and ran home.