Popular Blues Musician Killed While Walking Dogs in Rhode Island by Driver With More Than 100 Arrests

Rory MacLeod, a popular blues musician, died last Saturday while walking his dogs in Hope Valley, Rhode Island. He was 70 years old.

Around dawn on December 6, a black SUV veered off the road and struck him. He was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries.

The driver, 41-year-old Shannon Godbout, was arrested at the scene for the fatal crash, but authorities also discovered “numerous illegal narcotics and packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution,” according to a report published by People on Tuesday, December 9.

Law enforcement revealed Godbout’s record spans more than 100 prior arrests, including dozens of traffic citations. Godbout is now facing a slate of preliminary charges, including driving to endanger resulting in death and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, which police said marks at least her third offense for drug possession. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.

MacLeod earned a Grammy nomination in the ’80s for his work with the band Roomful of Blues and was later inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame.

He and his wife, fellow musician and educator Sandol Astrausky, taught music at Brown University and hosted beloved summer festivals on their Hope Valley property for decades.