PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The parents of Barbara Friedes, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia doctor who was killed nearly two weeks ago when a suspected drunk driver slammed into her bicycle in Center City, have vowed not to let their daughter's death become just "another statistic."
In a statement released by her parents Sunday, John and Mary Dietrick said they were outraged to find out that 68-year-old Michael Vahey, the man who hit her, had a previous DUI charge.
Per prosecutors, the Dietricks said in 2009, Vahey was convicted of a DUI after he drove the wrong way down Pine Street near 10th Street in Philadelphia.
They said at the time of his arrest, his Blood Alcohol Content was .20 — more than twice the legal limit. It was later expunged after Vahey completed a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program through the courts.
On July 17, around 7 p.m., Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Vahey was driving nearly 60 miles per hour down Spruce Street when he veered into the bike lane and struck 30-year-old Friedes. According to Krasner, his Blood Alcohol Content was “essentially .16.”
"Knowing Barbara lost her life to a drunk driver operating a motor vehicle at twice the legal limit for a second time is even more despicable,” her parents said.
They say they’ll work with the District Attorney's Office to ensure that there is change and full accountability with tangible results, just not nice words of remorse and sorrow.
“When Barbara had a challenge before her, she never took the easy path — she fought for what was right versus what was easy, she defended those who couldn’t defend themselves, she will continue to make a difference, and we must honor her,” her parents said.
Vahey was charged with vehicular homicide last week and is being held on $1 million bail.
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