Barbara Friedes Obituary

July 18, 2024

A 30-year-old woman who tragically lost her life while cycling in Rittenhouse Square has been identified by her family as Barbara Friedes, a physician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Friedes, who served as a chief resident at CHOP—a hospital recently ranked fourth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report—was described by her family as a dedicated and compassionate medical professional.

Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, when a 68-year-old man driving a blue car struck Friedes at the intersection of Spruce and 18th Streets. Friedes was cycling in the designated westbound bike lane when the accident happened. She suffered severe head trauma and was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

No charges filed at this time.

In a statement to CBS News Philadelphia, Dr. Jeanine Ronan, attending physician and director of the Pediatrics Residency Program at CHOP, honored Friedes: “Barbara was a beacon of light. Her many talents, skills, and achievements led her to be selected as a Chief Resident at CHOP this academic year. She was loved by many and embodied kindness, strength, and deep compassion for all who knew her. The CHOP community mourns her tragic loss and holds her family, friends, and loved ones in our hearts.”

Friedes, who was married, had moved to Philadelphia from Colorado. According to CHOP’s website, she graduated from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and was highlighted as one of the school’s outstanding students on Match Day in 2021. Her maiden name was Dietrick.

Reflecting on her life, Friedes once said, “I would like to be remembered as the daughter of an elementary school counselor and an Air Force officer who raised their children to be kind and compassionate, which led me to become the first in my family to attend medical school and become a physician.”

Avis Chen Boulter, whose daughter worked with Friedes at CHOP, shared her grief: “Barbara had so much potential. She did not get to help all the people she would have in her lifetime. She went through med school, was in residency, and was accomplished. It’s heartbreaking to lose someone so young who had achieved so much.”

Chris Gale of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia expressed sorrow over Friedes’ death: “I take this bike lane every day to get home to my family. It’s tragic and heartbreaking to think that safety measures weren’t enough to protect her.”

According to the Philadelphia Parking Authority, Friedes is the first cyclist to die in the city this year. Last year, there were 10 cyclist deaths, three in 2022, eight in 2021, and five in 2020.