Rohan Dennis charged in relation to the death of his wife Melissa Hoskins

The former rider was arrested and charged for causing death by dangerous driving after Hoskins was hit outside the family home

08:47, Sunday 31st December 2023

Daniel Benson

Editor in Chief

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Rohan Dennis retired from pro cycling at the end of this season

Various media outlets in Australia have reported that retired professional cyclist Rohan Dennis has been charged over his wife’s death, Melissa Dennis, née Hoskins.

According to reports Melissa Dennis died from injuries in hospital after the incident took place on Saturday night. Rohan Dennis, 33, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life. He has been released on bail until a later date.

ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) first reported that local emergency services were called to a suburb in Medindie, Adelaide after 8pm on Saturday following reports that a female had been hit by a driver.

The news outlet confirmed that the woman suffered suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment, but died overnight. Hoskins was 32 years old and a mother of two. She and Dennis married in 2018.

Rohan Dennis is set to appear at Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13 to face his charges.

“Major Crash officers attended the scene along with detectives from Eastern District CIB to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police said on Sunday, according to The Australian newspaper.

“Following an investigation, a 33-year-old Medindie man has been arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.”

Hoskins was a highly successful pro cyclist in her own right, winning titles and races both on the road and track.

As a young rider she was awarded a cycling scholarship by the Australian Institute of Sport and in 2015 she became a world champion as part of Australia's team pursuit squad. Hoskins also competed at both the London and Rio Olympic Games. She retired from professional sport in 2017 and returned to Australia this year following her husband's recent retirement.

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CPA Women, the worldwide association of women cyclists, which is also part of Cyclistes Professionnels Associés said it was 'shocked' by the news, adding that: "We send our thoughts to those who love her, starting with her children, and were lucky enough to ride with her during an all too short life."