Bicyclist killed in Rittenhouse Square identified as CHOP doctor Barbara Friedes
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A 30-year-old woman who was hit and killed while riding her bike in Rittenhouse Square was identified by family as Barbara Friedes, a doctor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Family said Friedes was a chief resident at CHOP, which is often regarded as a top children's hospital and recently ranked as the fourth best children's hospital in the country by U.S News & World Report.
Police said a 68-year-old man driving a blue car was traveling west on Spruce Street when he hit Friedes near the intersection of Spruce and 18th around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17. Friedes was riding in the designated westbound bike lane, police added.
Friedes suffered "severe head trauma," according to police, and was taken to Jefferson Hospital where she died a short time later.
Charges have not yet been filed in connection with the accident.
"Barbara was a beacon of light, and given her many talents, skills, and achievements, was selected to be a Chief Resident at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for this academic year," Dr. Jeanine Ronan, attending physician and program director of the Pediatrics Residency Program, said in a statement shared with CBS News Philadelphia.
"She was loved by so many and embodied kindness, strength and a deep compassion for all who crossed her path. This morning, the CHOP community is in mourning following her tragic loss and keeping her family, friends and loved ones in our hearts," Ronan continued.
Friedes was married and moved to Philadelphia from Colorado.
According to CHOP's website, Friedes attended Johns Hopkins University of Medicine for medical school. Friedes, whose maiden name is Dietrick, was highlighted as one of the school's outstanding students on Match Day in 2021.
"I would like to be remembered for being the daughter of an elementary school counselor and an Air Force officer who raised their children to be kind and compassionate towards others, which led me to become the first in my family to go to medical school and now become a physician," the profile said.
Chris Gale of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia said what happened to Friedes was truly tragic.
"I take this bike lane every single day when I ride home to get to my family," Gale said. "To know that there are kids that don't have a parent coming home because there weren't ways to keep that person safe is tragic and heartbreaking."
According to the Philadelphia Parking Authority, Friedes was the first cyclist death in the city so far this year. The PPA said there were 10 bicyclist deaths last year, three in 2022, eight in 2021, and five in 2020.