Christine Svanemyr, 35, was killed last Thursday as she relaxed on the grass at Holly Park in Bernal Heights. Her 11-month-old daughter and the family dog were with her, though they were not physically injured.
Police say the driver, 57-year-old city gardener Thomas Burnoski, took off. He was arrested nearby.
Burnoski released a lengthy statement to ABC7 News through his attorney Thursday evening.
It reads, "My family and I wish to express our profound sorrow to the family of Christine Svanemyr and her community of friends. My actions caused the death of this person and there is nothing I can do to bring her back. I am absolutely devastated by this tragic accident. Mere words can never convey what I and my family feel, knowing that a child will grow up without her mother, and that Mr. Svanemyr faces parenting alone, in shock, bewilderment, and immeasurable grief. Nothing we can say or do can ever adequately address the long-term sorrowful challenge that those left behind will have to face.
Burnoski is facing vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run charges.
