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Well-known local musician struck and killed while walking dogs in R.I.; suspect had been arrested over 100 times
Rhode Island Music Hall of Famer Roderick MacLeod died on Saturday.
Rhode Island Music Hall of Famer Roderick “Rory” MacLeod died on Saturday after getting struck by a vehicle while walking his dogs in the state.
Around 7:21 a.m. that morning, Hopkinton, Rhode Island, police received a report of a single-car crash near 42 Spring St. (Route 138) in Hope Valley. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered that a pedestrian walking his dogs had been struck.
Following a preliminary investigation, police believe the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Spring Street when it left its lane and stuck several objects, including two telephone poles, as well as MacLeod, who was walking on the shoulder of the roadway.
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MacLeod, 70, of Richmond, Rhode Island, was transported to Rhode Island Hospital by ambulance where he later died, police said.
MacLeod was a musician, primarily a bassist, for over 50 years, according to the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame with the band Roomful of Blues in 2012, and he and his wife recently taught at Brown University, the Hall of Fame said on Facebook. Roomful of Blues was nominated for a Grammy in the ’80s, according to WJAR.
Police identified the driver as Shannon N. Godbout, 41, who was allegedly found to be in possession of “numerous illegal narcotics and packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution.”
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Godbout was arrested at the scene and transported to Westerly Hospital for a medical evaluation, police said.
She was charged with driving to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of Schedule I/II narcotics with intent to distribute, third-plus offense, according to police. She may face additional charges as the investigation continues, police said.
Previously, Godbout had been arrested over 100 times and had 82 warrants issued, as well as 40 traffic citations, police said.
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