A woman bishop in the US has been placed on indefinite "administrative leave" and police have launched an investigation after a cyclist died when he was in a collision with a car.

The Right Rev Heather Cook, suffragan bishop of Maryland and the first woman bishop in the diocese, was driving the Subaru that was in collision with Thomas Palermo, 41. She drove off after the accident, leading some media in the US to describe it as a "hit and run".

The cyclist was alive at that point, according to his friends. Cook returned to the scene 20 minutes later. Palermo was a popular a community one-man businessman who repaired, sold and customised cycles.

The Bishop of Maryland, the Right Rev Eugene Taylor Sutton, wrote in a pastoral letter to clergy of the diocese: "I am distressed to announce that Bishop Heather E. Cook was involved in a traffic accident Saturday afternoon, Dec 27, that resulted in the death of a bicyclist, Thomas Palermo, 41.

"Bishop Cook did not sustain any injuries. 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. Please pray for Mr Palermo, his family and Bishop Cook during this most difficult time. Please do not contact Bishop Cook directly, but feel free to send written notes to the Diocesan Centre."

He continued: "There is an ongoing police investigation into the accident. Several news organisations have reported this as a 'hit and run'. Bishop Cook did leave the scene initially, but returned after about 20 minutes to take responsibility for her actions.

"Because the nature of the accident could result in criminal charges, I have placed Bishop Cook on administrative leave, effective immediately. I will meet shortly with the Standing Committee to discuss ways we can move forward. Also, I have decided to delay the beginning of my sabbatical to Jan 24 to be pastorally present in this difficult time."

According to police records in the US, in 2010 Bishop Cook was arrested and found to be three times over the legal driving limit. Police found bottles of whiskey and wine and a marijuana pipe in her car. The future bishop was given "probation before judgment" for driving under the influence, but was never formally charged with any offence.

The Baltimore cycling group Bikemore said in a statement: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Tom Palermo, who was killed while riding his bicycle on Roland Avenue. Tom was a passionate bicycle builder, a father, and a friend to many people who ride bicycles in Baltimore.

"While details of the crash are still emerging, we know the driver of the car involved initially fled the scene, leaving Tom to die on the street. It is clear that dedicated bicycle lanes were not enough to keep even an experienced bicycle rider safe... Bikemore will continue to advocate for Baltimore to follow the lead of other major cities and build physically-separated bicycle infrastructure to protect the growing number of people who ride bicycles for transportation and recreation. We will update this post with further information as we receive it. Rest in Peace Tom."