World champion cyclist Melissa Hoskins was featured in an Instagram post by her husband just days before he reportedly hit her with his ute. In the post, Rohan Dennis, 33, a former star cyclist, shared a cheerful photo of himself with Hoskins, 32, and their two children, captioned “Merry Christmas from our family to yours.”
Tragically, Ms. Hoskins was allegedly struck by a vehicle in Adelaide’s inner-north on Sunday, December 31. She was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with severe injuries and passed away a few hours later.
South Australian Police have arrested Mr. Dennis, who is accused of driving the ute that struck his wife, the mother of two.
He faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life.
Released on bail, Mr. Dennis is scheduled to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in March.
According to News Corp, police will allege that Ms. Hoskins climbed onto the car’s bonnet and reached for a door handle before the vehicle was driven away, causing her to fall to the ground.
It is also alleged that Ms. Hoskins may have been dragged by the vehicle.
Two teenage neighbors attempted to administer first aid before paramedics arrived.
Following Ms. Hoskins’ tragic death, numerous sporting organizations and fellow cyclists have paid tribute. The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), which Ms. Hoskins represented at the 2012 and 2016 Games, expressed profound sadness.
The AOC has expressed the utmost sadness at the loss of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins after the tragic events in Adelaide.
Our condolences go to Melissa’s family, friends and the cycling community at this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/oh8Z8w2qf8
— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) December 31, 2023
In a post on X, the AOC stated: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins following the tragic events in Adelaide. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Melissa’s family, friends, and the cycling community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Marne Fechner, chief executive of AusCycling, Australia’s national cycling governing body, described Ms. Hoskins’ death as a “tragic incident.”
In a statement, Ms. Fechner said: “Melissa, who was a mother, daughter, and wife, was also a champion cyclist whose exceptional skills on the track and road inspired and amazed us.”
“Starting her competitive cycling career at just 16, Melissa demonstrated extraordinary talent by the time she retired at 25. She considered her team Pursuit Gold Medal at the 2015 UCI Track Cycling World Championships as the pinnacle of her career, but for us, the true highlight was simply having her in our lives.”
Retired track cyclist Anna Meares, who has been appointed chef de mission for the Australian Olympic Team at the Paris 2024 Games, shared a condolence message on her social media.
In a post on X, Ms. Meares wrote: “My heart is heavy. My thoughts are with the children, family, and friends. This is an incredibly difficult and tragic time. Rest in peace.”
Ms. Hoskins’ former team, GreenEDGE, now known as Jayco-AlUla, also expressed their sorrow. The team stated: “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the entire cycling community during this deeply sad time. She will never be forgotten.”
Originally from Perth, Ms. Hoskins married Mr. Dennis in 2018, and they have two children. Besides her Olympic accomplishments, she won gold in the women’s team pursuit at the 2015 World Championships and retired from professional cycling in 2017.
Mr. Dennis, who retired from professional cycling at the end of 2023, was a podium finisher at the 2013 and 2020 Olympics, a two-time world champion, and a stage winner in the 2015 Tour de France.
