First Female Episcopal bishop kills man in hit-and-run accident

oge okonkwo

December 29, 2014 10:12 PM

Female bishop, Suffragan Heather Cook, was said to have collided her car with the 41-year-old victim, Tom Palermo and took off initially

Maryland's first female Episcopal bishop was the driver in a hit-and-run crash that knocked a bicyclist dead in Baltimore.

The incident was announced by the dioscese.

Female bishop, Suffragan Heather Cook, was said to have collided her car with the 41-year-old victim, Tom Palermo and took off initially.

The diocesan Bishop, Eugene Sutton, told clergy members in a mail that Bishop Cook returned 20 minutes later "to take responsibility for her actions".

Ms Cook, who was elected bishop in September, has been put on leave.

"Together with the Diocese of Maryland, I express my deep sorrow over the death of the cyclist and offer my condolences to the victim's family," Bishop Sutton said.

"Please pray for Mr Palermo, his family and Bishop Cook during this most difficult time."

Bishop Cook was ordained priest in 1987 and served in Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania before returning to the state.

A small makeshift memorial was created near the road where Mr Palermo was killed. The road had a designated bike lane.

Police, who did not identify Ms Cook, did not say when or if charges would be filed against the driver.

oge okonkwo