DUI Driver Who Killed CHOP Doctor Sentenced

PHILADELPHIA — The man who fatally struck a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia while driving under the influence learned his fate Tuesday.

Michael Vahey, 69, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 6 to 20 years of state incarceration in the death of 30-year-old Dr. Barbara Friedes.

Vahey pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, DUI, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person, and more crimes in April this year.

Vahey struck and killed Friedes, a chief resident at CHOP, at about 7 p.m. July 17, 2024 at 1800 Spruce St. in Rittenhouse Square, police said.

Friedes was riding her bike heading west in the designated bike lane on Spruce when she was struck by a Volkswagen driven by Vahey that was also going west on Spruce and illegally in the bike lane, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney's office.

Police said Friedes, who was wearing a helmet and riding in the bike line, was thrown at least 150 feet.

She was given aid at the scene by police. Friedes suffered severe head trauma and was taken to Jefferson Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 7:20 p.m.

Two other vehicles were struck in the crash.

Vahey was taken to a hospital after the crash, but was released. He later turned himself in.

According to authorities, Vahey's blood alcohol content was 0.16 percent, twice the legal limit, and that he was going about 60 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone at the time of the crash. He nearly struck another pedestrian, authorities said.

Vahey had no prior criminal history, authorities said.

"I want to thank Assistant District Attorney Katherine Wood for her diligent and capable prosecution of this case, and Dr. Friedes' family for their strength and grace throughout this matter," Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said after the sentence was handed down. "This prosecution and sentence should send a message to anyone who gets behind the wheel while intoxicated that this reckless behavior will not be tolerated."