Grammy-Nominated Musician Rory Macleod Killed by Driver with Over 40 Traffic Citations and in Possession of Illegal Drugs

A Grammy–nominated bassist has died after being struck by a vehicle in Rhode Island.

Roderick “Rory” Macleod, 70, was fatally injured on Saturday, Dec. 6, when a car hit him as he walked his dogs in Hope Valley, R.I., according to a press release from the Hopkinton Police Department. He was taken by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Police identified the driver as 41-year-old Shannon Godbout. Investigators say she was traveling eastbound on Spring Street when her vehicle allegedly veered out of its lane, striking multiple objects — including two telephone poles — before hitting Macleod, who was walking on the shoulder of the road.

Officers reported finding numerous illegal narcotics and packaging materials believed to be associated with drug distribution in Godbout’s possession. She was arrested at the scene and transported to Westerly Hospital for treatment.

According to police, Godbout is facing several preliminary charges, including driving so as to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute — which authorities say is at least her third such offense. The investigation remains active, and officials have indicated that additional charges may be filed once all evidence is reviewed.

Authorities also noted Godbout’s extensive history with law enforcement, stating that she has been arrested more than 100 times, has had 82 court warrants issued against her, and has received 40 traffic citations. As of Monday, Dec. 8, police said she remains in custody at the hospital.

Hopkinton Police Chief Mark J. Carrier said in the release that the department is working closely with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office to present Godbout in court as a probation violator. He added that both agencies will review all available evidence to determine the full list of charges to be brought at her arraignment in District Court and beyond.

Friends, colleagues and fans are remembering Macleod as a remarkable musician and a gentle soul. He earned a Grammy nomination in the 1980s for his bass work with the acclaimed group Roomful of Blues and was later inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame.

“Roomful of Blues would like to extend our deepest condolences to Rory Macleod’s family, friends and all of his fans,” the band wrote in a statement on Facebook. “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.”

Macleod and his wife, musician Sandol Astrausky, were listed as Directors of Old-Time String Band and Teaching Associates in Music at Brown University. In a 2024 interview with Brown Alumni Magazine, the couple shared that they met while performing at a New Year’s Eve event three decades ago.

Macleod recalled learning guitar and banjo so they could play together and reflected on the joy of making music with his spouse of 20 years, saying that performing with someone you love brings an extra layer of meaning to the experience.

The couple also hosted annual summer music festivals at their 10-acre property in Hope Valley, turning their home into a gathering place for musicians and music lovers alike.