Driver charged with DUI, homicide in Philadelphia bike crash that killed CHOP doctor
Driver charged in crash that killed CHOP doctor riding bike
Michael Vahey, 68, has been charged with homicide by vehicle with DUI and related charges after officials say Barbara Ann Friedes, a 30-year-old chief resident at CHOP, was hit and killed while she was legally riding in the bike lane near 18th and Spruce streets last week.
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia officials say a drunk driver is responsible for taking the life of a promising young doctor while she was out for a bike ride in Rittenhouse Square last week.
Barbara Ann Friedes, a 30-year-old chief resident at CHOP, was killed when officials say a speeding vehicle hit her while she was legally riding in the bike lane near 18th and Spruce streets.
The driver, identified by officials as Michael Vahey, was arrested after turning himself into authorities on Wednesday night.
Michael Vahey, 68, has been charged with homicide by vehicle with DUI, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, driving while under the influence, reckless endangering another person, reckless driving an exceeding the speed limit. | Philadelphi
Evidence shows that Vahey had a blood alcohol level double the legal limit at the time of the crash, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Officials say he was driving 57 mph in a 25 mph zone, also hitting multiple parked vehicles and narrowly missing another pedestrian.
Loved ones react to CHOP doctor's tragic death, cyclist community pushes for safety
Family, friends, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia community are mourning a young doctor who cared for children, who was fatally struck while riding her bike in Center City on Wednesday night.
Friedes was rushed to the hospital with severe head trauma, but she did not survive.
"He struck her with such impact that he threw her body at least 150 feet, and she was probably dead then," ADA Joanne Pescatore said.
Vahey is being charged with homicide by vehicle with DUI, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, driving while under the influence, reckless endangering another person, reckless driving an exceeding the speed limit.
A preliminary arraignment is expected Thursday as the DA's Office says they will seek high bail, and appeal if it is not accepted.
Parents of CHOP doctor killed in crash speak out as cyclists seek changes: 'Barricades need to be up'
Less than a week after 30-year-old Barbara Ann Friedes, a doctor at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia died in a multi-vehicle crash while riding her bike, calls for action are growing louder in Philadelphia among the cyclist community.
The arrest comes as the young woman's family, along with the cycling community, demand change from the city.
"Our daughter wasn’t the only tragic loss. There’s been so many and how many is enough, at what point is enough," said Barnara's dad, John Dietrick.
Jessie Amadio of Philly Bike Action says they’ve been fighting to get permanent concrete barriers to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
"It’s just horrible but frustrating that action wasn’t taken sooner to prevent it from happening," Amadio said. "Make it impossible for a car to merge illegally into a bike lane."