Parents of CHOP doctor killed in accident issue official statement: “Simply unacceptable”

Mary Dietrick is on the left and 30-year-old Dr. Barbara Ann Friedes is on the right.

PHILADELPHIA – The parents of 30-year-old Barbara Ann Friedes, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who died in a multi-vehicle bicycle accident on July 17, have released an official statement on the tragedy.

John Dietrick, Dr. Barbara Friedes’ father, sent the following statement to FOX 29 on Sunday:

“Following the District Attorney’s press conference on Thursday, July 25, the family was asked if we would like to make a statement. At this time, we are still gathering our thoughts on the news indicating that Michael Vahey was driving under the influence of alcohol while twice the legal limit (0.16). We were even more sickened to learn that this is his second serious DUI offense (2009, 0.20 DUI – also in Philadelphia). Rather than make an emotional and counterproductive statement, we have taken our time and are prepared to make a statement if you choose to make it public. Our (my and Barbara’s mother Mary’s) statement is below: Please let us know if you have any questions.

We would like to thank the Philadelphia Police Department for their efforts so far in this investigation. There is still much work to be done, so we will be patient while this great work continues.

Also, a big thank you to the prosecutor’s office for the press conference and the announcement of the charges. We fully agree with the words of prosecutor Larry Krasner: “This crime is horrific. The outcome is almost indescribable.”

Regarding Michael Vahey. The fact that this is Michael Vahey’s second drunk driving incident and that he was once again on the streets of Philadelphia driving with a double blood alcohol limit is simply unacceptable. The fact that Barbara was killed for the second time at the hands of a drunk driver operating a motor vehicle with a double blood alcohol limit is even more despicable.

In 2009, Michael Vahey was convicted of drunk driving after driving the wrong way on Pine Street near 10th Street here in Philadelphia. At the time of his arrest, his blood alcohol content was .20 – more than twice the legal limit. He completed a court-mandated drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

We will work closely with District Attorney Krasner’s office and Assistant District Attorney Katherine Wood to ensure that Barbara’s death is not just another statistic, that change happens, and that there are no fine words of regret and sadness, but full accountability with tangible results.

When Barbara faced a challenge, she never took the easy way out – she fought for what was right, not what was easy – she defended those who could not defend themselves – she will continue to make a difference and we must honor her.”

The 30-year-old chief medical officer of CHOP died when she was struck by a speeding vehicle while legally riding in the bike lane near the corner of 18th and Spruce streets, according to officials.

RELATED REPORTING:

The driver, identified by officers as Michael Vahey, was arrested after turning himself in to authorities.

According to prosecutors, evidence suggests that Vahey had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit at the time of the accident.

Authorities said he was driving at 57 mph in a 25-mph zone, hitting several parked vehicles and narrowly missing another pedestrian.

Vahey was charged with intoxicated manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving and exceeding the speed limit.