Police say a driver who veered off Spring Street struck the 70-year-old Grammy-nominated musician during a morning dog walk.
HOPKINTON, R.I. — Flowers, notes and a small metronome appeared along Spring Street after a Saturday morning crash killed Roderick “Rory” MacLeod, a Grammy-nominated bassist and local teacher whose death has drawn grief from musicians and neighbors across Rhode Island.
MacLeod was walking his dogs shortly after sunrise on Dec. 6 when a black SUV left its lane, struck roadside objects and hit him on the shoulder, police said. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died. The driver, identified by Hopkinton police as 41-year-old Shannon N. Godbout, was arrested at the scene and later held on preliminary counts that include driving to endanger resulting in death. Investigators said they also found illegal narcotics and packaging materials in the vehicle and have requested help from state police reconstruction experts as they examine speed, path of travel and impact points.
Officers arrived just after 7:20 a.m. to find broken pole shards, scattered vehicle parts and a damaged front end, according to the initial report. One of MacLeod’s dogs ran home; the other was secured by responders. “It’s a heartbreaking morning for this community,” Police Chief William McGarry said in a brief statement released later. Godbout was transported to Westerly Hospital for evaluation before being held. A Justice of the Peace is expected to set initial conditions while the Attorney General’s Office reviews the case for additional charges and a probation violation tied to earlier matters. Officials have not released toxicology findings or final reconstruction measurements.
MacLeod, 70, played bass with Roomful of Blues during a period that earned the band a Grammy nomination in the 1980s and later joined the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame as part of that lineup. He taught students in workshops and at area schools and, with his wife, frequently hosted summer ensembles. Former students described him as precise and generous. “He’d count you in, then smile when you found the groove,” said saxophonist Dana Lee. Colleagues from clubs in Providence and Westerly said MacLeod favored early load-ins and lingered after shows to talk with young players about charts and tone.
Police said Godbout has an extensive record that includes more than 100 arrests, 82 past court warrants and 40 traffic citations, several issued by Hopkinton officers. The preliminary counts announced so far include driving to endanger resulting in death and possession of Schedule I/II narcotics with intent to distribute, listed as a third or subsequent offense. Investigators are cataloging evidence from the SUV and roadside, including onboard diagnostics, while state police assist with diagramming the scene. Authorities did not say how fast the vehicle was traveling or whether weather or road conditions played a role. Officials said the medical examiner will issue the formal cause and manner of death.
The Hope Valley village road where the crash occurred narrows near clusters of homes, mailboxes and utility poles set close to the pavement edge. Neighbors say it carries commuter and school traffic and can be busy around 7 a.m. Residents recalled earlier complaints about speeding and distracted driving on connecting routes, though town crash logs for the past year show a mix of minor collisions and wildlife strikes. Longtime locals said most pedestrians keep tight to the shoulder or step into yards when cars pass. “You listen for engines, then you hug the grass,” said resident Paula Martin, who placed daffodils by a splintered pole.
As the investigation moves forward, police said Godbout will be presented to the Attorney General as a criminal violator based on existing probation and suspended sentences. A district court arraignment is expected after prosecutors complete their review of evidence. If a probation violation is filed, a separate hearing would be scheduled to determine whether prior terms are revoked. State police reconstruction specialists plan to return to Spring Street to finalize measurements and vehicle inspections before a full report is released. Officials said further announcements will note any added counts or court dates once lab and reconstruction results arrive.
At dusk Tuesday, a dozen people gathered with candles and a portable speaker that played a slow shuffle in F. “Rory made people sound better,” said guitarist Andrea Collins. “That’s the highest thing you can say about a bass player.” A club owner from Providence recalled last summer’s porch sessions where MacLeod cooked burgers between sets. “He was always early and always kind,” said drummer Jay Torres. By nightfall, traffic thinned and the metronome’s soft tick mixed with wind through the pines, marking time on a quiet street.
Police said they will release updates when reconstruction findings and toxicology results are complete. An arraignment is expected after prosecutors finalize charging decisions in the coming days.
Author note: Last updated December 10, 2025.