A Grammy-nominated musician has died after being hit by a driver who has been arrested more than 100 times, law enforcement officers have said.
Roderick Macleod, 70, who was a member of the band Roomful of Blues in the 1980s, was killed in Rhode Island while walking his dog on December 6. The alleged driver has been named as 41-year-old Shannon Godbout, who police say was driving recklessly at the time.
Godbout had allegedly been driving eastbound when she left her lane and hit numerous objects, such as two telephone poles. At the time, Macleod had been walking his dog on the side of the road when he was struck. Images from police show a black car, which was significantly damaged, smashed into a tree, with a telephone pole leaning beside it.
Macleod was transported to the hospital following the crash. however, he died from his injuries. His dog survived the incident and ran home. According to the Hopkinton Police Department, Godbout has been arrested over 100 times and has dozens of traffic violations. She was also allegedly "in possession of numerous illegal narcotics and packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution."
Godbout was arrested at the scene and taken to the hospital. She has since been charged with driving to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. However, it has been reported that the 41-year-old may face additional charges.
While the Hopkinton Police Department did not go into details about Godbout's previous arrests, a spokesperson did note that eight of them were made by their organization. Police further said that 82 court warrants have been issued for Godbout and that she has previously received 40 traffic citations.
Roderick Macleod was best known for his bass work with American blues and swing revival big band Roomful of Blues. He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1988 for the album Glazed, which was a collaboration between Roomful of Blues and Earl King. The band has received five Grammy nominations in total.
His illustrious career spanned 50 years, during which he collaborated with Duke Robillard, Paul Geremia and Jack Smith & The Rockabilly Planet. In 1993, he released a single, followed by a solo album two years later.
Additionally, alongside his wife, Sandol Astrausky, he taught roots music at Brown University and was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012 as part of Roomful of Blues.
Mourners have shared their tributes and condolences online, with one fan writing, "RIP Roderick Macleod. Thoughts with his family, friends, and the Rhode Island music community," and another adding, "Prayers to Mr. Roderick MacLeod’s family. May he rest in peace."