PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The family of a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia doctor who was killed two years ago while riding her bike in Center City has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the drunk driver who hit her.
Attorneys for the parents of Barbara Friedes filed the lawsuit against Michael Vahey, who pleaded guilty last summer to several charges, including homicide by vehicle, third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and other related charges.
On July 17, 2024, Friedes was in the protected bike lane on Spruce Street and wearing a helmet when she was struck and killed. The impact of Vahey’s car threw her about 150 feet.
Investigators said Vahey had veered into the bike lane at about 60 mph. His blood-alcohol level was .16 — twice the legal limit.
Provided by Barbara Friedes
Friedes, an oncology doctor at CHOP, was 30 years old.
Seventy-year-old Vahey was sentenced last year to six to 20 years behind bars.
