A recent mural was recently spotted at the site of a fatal bike crash. The photo emerged on social media outside of the Starbucks where the incident happened. Here, it depicted a mourning angel which sums up the mood of area due to the aftermath of the tragedy. Although only days old, it is not known whether the artwork will remain as a permanent fixture.
This follows news that a 30-year-old oncology resident at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Barbara Friedes, tragically lost her life on Wednesday night following a collision with a speeding vehicle in Center City. Originally from Colorado, Dr. Friedes dedicated her career to the treatment of pediatric cancer patients.
The profound impact of Dr. Friedes’ work was evident in the outpouring of grief from the community. A colleague and friend, Avis Chen Boulter, visited the crash site to lay flowers in her honor, describing her daughter’s devastation over the loss of her mentor.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. as Dr. Friedes was cycling within a designated bike lane at the intersection of 18th and Spruce Streets. The force of the impact propelled her an estimated 20 to 30 feet before she struck the ground. Despite immediate medical attention from bystanders and emergency responders, Dr. Friedes succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital.
Following the collision, the driver continued along Spruce Street, resulting in a subsequent crash involving two unoccupied parked vehicles.