Photo credit: James Short
Authorities have identified the woman killed in a vehicle crash over the weekend in Dublin Borough as Karen Bishop, 72, a lifelong resident and dedicated volunteer with the Dublin Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.
Crash details
According to Dublin Borough Police, officers responded to the intersection of South Main Street and Maple Avenue just after 5 p.m. Saturday for a report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. Despite extensive life-saving efforts by emergency crews, Bishop was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mayor Christopher Hayes told WFMZ-TV that the driver of the vehicle is cooperating with police and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Crash Investigation Unit.
Hayes said the vehicle was turning left onto Maple Avenue when it struck Bishop, who was crossing the street.
"(The driver) did not see the person that was crossing the street, made contact with that person and the person was unfortunately deceased," Hayes said in the interview.
According to initial reports, the driver allegedly hit the pedestrian with their car, turned around, and then ran over that person another time, causing a significant head injury. Eyewitnesses reported the driver reversed over Bishop and exited the car, claiming they did not see her.
“The driver of the vehicle is fully compliant with police and county officials and everything is being processed at this time,” Hayes said in the interview.
Emergency responders from Dublin Fire Company, Dublin Borough Police Department, Hilltown Police Department, and Bedminster Police Department all assisted at the scene.
Photo credit: James ShortCommunity mourns
In a Facebook statement, the Dublin Volunteer Fire Company described Bishop as a devoted member of the Ladies Auxiliary since 1974, who gave “countless hours of service” to the community. She played active roles on several committees, including the carnival, craft show, flea market, and soup day fundraisers.
“Her dedication, friendship, and contributions will be remembered and cherished by all who had the pleasure of working alongside her,” the fire company said. “We ask the community to please keep the Bishop family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
The police department also extended condolences.
Hayes and Dublin Borough Council honored Bishop on Facebook.
“Karen was more than just a part of Dublin Community — she was a cherished friend, neighbor, and a 51-year member of the Dublin Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit, Karen touched the lives of many. Whether through her volunteer work, her friendly smile around town, or her quiet acts of generosity, she made Dublin a better place for all of us,” wrote Dublin Borough on Facebook Tuesday morning. “Her passing is a deep loss to the entire community. We remember Karen not only for who she was but for the light she brought into our lives.”
Community members shared similar sentiments online.
“She was just so wonderful and helpful at the craft shows,” wrote Marcia Dekker. “My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very difficult time.”
Police said the crash remains under investigation by the Dublin Borough Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Crash Investigation Unit. Anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken to investigators is asked to contact Dublin Police at 215-249-0272.
