The family of Puipuimaota Galuvao have expressed their regret over the crash that killed Kogarah High School student Aneri Patel, 16, on Monday September 15 at Kogarah.
Police arrested Ms Galuvao, 26, after the car she was driving mounted a footpath about 11.25am and fatally hit the Kogarah schoolgirl who was waiting at a bus stop on Railway Parade.
It is alleged Ms Galuvao, of Como, was unlicensed when she lost control of the Mitsubishi Challenger four-wheel-drive which hit Miss Patel before injuring two other people inside O’Reilly & Daly Chemist.
Police charged Ms Galuvao with several driving offences including dangerous driving occasioning death and driving without a licence.
Her brother, former NRL star Joe Galuvao, said the family felt for the family and friends of Aneri.
‘‘To the victims of the accident, we would like to express our deepest regret for the injuries you have suffered,’’ he said.
‘‘We know that it has not only affected you emotionally but physically as well. We are truly sorry for the pain and anguish you must be suffering.
‘‘To the proprietors of O’Reilly and Daly Chemist, we would like to express our deepest regret for the damage caused to the business and loss of revenue that you no doubt have suffered.
‘‘We hope that all the damage can be repaired and that business returns to normal as soon as possible.
‘‘Finally to the Patel family, not a day goes by that we do not think about your family and what your family is going through — the pain, grief and loss of your beloved Aneri.
‘‘We know nothing we can say can ease your pain and that your lives will be changed forever.’’
During a Kogarah Local Court appearance on Tuesday morning, Ms Galuvao had her bail conditions varied to allow her to report to Hurstville police station.
She will appear in Kogarah Local Court on November 11.
