The Episcopal diocese of Maryland says the state's first female bishop has been put on leave after her involvement in a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in Baltimore during the weekend.

"I am distressed to announce that Bishop Heather E. Cook was involved in a traffic accident Saturday afternoon ... that resulted in the death of a bicyclist," the Right Reverend Eugene Taylor Sutton said in a statement.

Sutton added that Cook left the scene initially, but returned after about 20 minutes "to take responsibility for her actions".

Cook, who was ordained as a priest in 1987 and elected bishop in September, was placed on immediate administrative leave while an oversight committee considers the situation.

Cook, 58, was not injured in the accident in which 41-year-old Thomas Palermo died.

No charges have been filed, according to the Baltimore Sun.