Man Pleads Guilty To DUI Crash That Killed CHOP Doctor In Philly

PHILADELPHIA — The man who struck and killed a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia doctor who was riding a bicycle last year pleaded guilty in court Tuesday.

According to court records, Michael Vahey, 69, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, DUI, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person, and more crimes.

Vahey struck and killed Dr. Barbara Friedes, 30, last summer in Philadelphia.

The fatal crash occurred 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 Monday. He turned himself in to authorities Wednesday.

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.

He is scheduled for sentencing on July 22, according to court records.