Fatal early morning accident in Hopkinton takes the life of elderly man

Hopkinton, Rhode Island - An elderly man tragically lost his life in a fatal accident early Saturday morning, and the Hopkinton police are conducting an investigation into the incident. The police responded to a single car crash on Spring Street just before 7:30 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered that a man walking his dog had been struck by the vehicle and was injured. The driver, identified as 41-year-old Shannon Godbout of Hopkinton, veered off the road, hitting the man, as well as two utility poles. The victim, 70-year-old Roderick Macleod from Richmond, was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he later passed away. During the investigation, it was found that Godbout was in possession of illegal narcotics and related packaging materials. She was arrested and taken to Westerly Hospital for evaluation. Godbout is facing charges for driving recklessly resulting in death and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. She will be brought before a Justice of the Peace and forwarded to the Attorney General's Office, as she is currently on probation for previous offenses. The Hopkinton Police, with assistance from the Rhode Island State Police accident reconstruction team, are actively looking into the matter, and further charges against Godbout may be forthcoming as more details emerge. Stay informed by downloading the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps for breaking news and weather updates, or watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or using the free WPRI 12+ TV app.