Children’s doctor struck and killed as she bikes in designated bike lane, PA cops say
A 30-year-old doctor at a world-renowned children’s hospital was struck and killed as she biked in a designated biking lane, Pennsylvania authorities say.
The Philadelphia Police Department said that at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, the driver of a Volkswagen struck the bicyclist who was heading the same direction.
The bicyclist, identified by police as Barbara Ann Friedes, was thrown at least 20 feet, a police spokesperson told WCAU.
Friedes was taken to a hospital with “severe head trauma” and was pronounced dead 20 minutes after the incident, police said.
“I just remember what I saw and when I close my eyes, all I see is that moment of a person upside down in the air,” said Jessie Porch, who told WPVI they were also riding their bike at the time.
The driver of the Volkswagen struck three other vehicles that were parked on the street, according to police. The driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, police said, adding that no charges have been filed.
A Reddit post showed the aftermath of the crash, with several vehicles sustaining major damage and resting on the sidewalk.
Police said the crash is under investigation.
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia called the fatal crash “a sad and horrific day for pedestrians and bicyclists in Philadelphia,” and said the death was preventable.
Friedes was a third-year resident at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), which is ranked as the No. 4 children’s hospital in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Loved ones said Friedes was recently “awarded her fellowship to work in oncology starting next year,” WCAU reported.
Dr. Jeanine Ronan, the program director of the hospital’s pediatrics residency program, said Thursday “the CHOP community is in mourning” following Friedes’ death, according to Philly Voice.
“Barbara was a beacon of light, and given her many talents, skills, and achievements, was selected to be a Chief Resident at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for this academic year,” Ronan said in a statement. “She was loved by so many and embodied kindness, strength and a deep compassion for all who crossed her path.”