PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The man who admitted to driving drunk and fatally striking a pediatrician who was riding her bike near Rittenhouse Square last summer has been sentenced to six to 20 years in prison.
Michael Vahey, 70, pleaded guilty in April to homicide by vehicle, third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and DUI offenses in the death of Barbara Friedes, a doctor at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The 30-year-old oncology doctor was riding in the bike lane along Spruce Street on July 17, 2024, when she was hit by Vahey’s car, throwing her about 150 feet.
She was wearing a helmet. She was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, though officials said she likely died instantly.
Vahey had veered into the protected bike lane at about 60 mph. His blood-alcohol level was .16 — twice the legal limit.
The fatal crash prompted outrage throughout the city and calls for more protected bike lanes.
At Vahey’s sentencing on Tuesday, Friedes was described as an inspiration, innovator and “phenomenal force.” Friends and colleagues spoke of the chief resident’s generosity, love of “impromptu dance parties” and dedication to children’s wellbeing.
“Dr. Barbara Friedes was exceptional, truly, as many of you heard in the courtroom today,” said Assistant District Attorney Katie Wood.
Her mother said she had a “heart of gold” and “pure joy,” and explained how she felt her soul ripping apart every day since her daughter was killed. Friedes’ father, John Dietrick, told reporters after the sentencing that his daughter never stopped fighting for the underdog.
“Everything she wanted to do, she did it for the right reasons,” he said. “She never stopped feeling compassion, never stopped feeling empathy. She was a true light.”
Vahey told the judge there were too many people to whom he needed to apologize and that he would accept the price he needed to pay. His family told the judge he suffered from alcoholism, a symptom of a tough childhood, and that he suffered every day knowing he killed Friedes.
“When he was asked to turn himself in, he absolutely did, immediately and from that point on, provided every bit of information that he possibly could to do the right thing, from day one,” said his attorney, Amato Sanita.
Dietrick thanked the countless people who supported his family, but added he didn’t think the city had done enough to keep bike riders safe.
“There needs to be more, there is never going to be enough,” he said. “There needs to be more.”