Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis asks for privacy after his wife, Melissa Hoskin, tragically dies
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The world of sports, particularly the cycling community, has been rocked by a tragic incident involving Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis and the untimely death of his wife, Melissa Hoskins.
This tragedy has rippled through the Australian community, particularly in Adelaide, leaving fans and fellow athletes in a state of profound grief.
Melissa Hoskins, a former Olympian and world champion cyclist, died after allegedly being struck by a vehicle outside her residence. Police have arrested her husband, fellow Olympian and world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis.
She died on Saturday night near the couple's home in Adelaide.
Rohan Dennis, who was arrested and charged over his wife's death, has broken his silence for the first time since the tragic incident.
Emerging from his Medindie mansion on Tuesday afternoon, Dennis pleaded for privacy and time for his two children to grieve for their mother.
Dennis was first seen swiftly stepping outside the house, saying nothing to the media. But just an hour earlier, he sent two friends out to make a plea on his behalf.
His two friends asked the media not to film Dennis’s children.
'They need privacy, and they need to grieve,' one friend said.
'This is a terrible time for us.'
Meanwhile, the sounds of the couple's children laughing and then crying could be heard before they were driven from the house by Dennis’ two friends.
The world champion cyclist was collected in a separate car sometime later, pleading for his vehicle not to be followed.
The couple, both retired from professional sport, had been planning the next stage of their lives, which included the possibility of buying a vineyard in Adelaide Hills. Their dreams were shattered in an instant, leaving friends, family, and the wider community in shock and mourning.
The incident that led to Hoskins' death is alleged to have been captured on neighbours' security cameras.
Police alleged that Hoskins jumped onto the bonnet of the couple's $70,000 Volkswagen Amarok Highline ute and grabbed at a door handle while Dennis reportedly drove on until she fell to the ground. It’s also been alleged that she may have been dragged along the street.
A pair of teenage neighbours tried to give first aid to Hoskins as they waited for the paramedics to arrive. She was sent to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and later died.
Dennis was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life. He was released on bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court again in March.
Hoskin’s parents said in a statement that they were still trying to come to terms with the loss of their daughter.
‘Words cannot convey our grief, sadness and the tragic circumstances of Melissa's passing,' they said in a statement.
'Myself, Amanda, Jess, and families, are utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened.’
'Not only have we lost a daughter and sister, her children have lost their mum, a freewheeling spirit, a giver with a big heart, patience and zest for life.’
'She was the rock of their life and ours, and we need to honour her memory so they can grow up knowing who she was, what she stood for and what she gave to everyone whose life she touched.’
‘We now need to deal with our grief privately and will be making no further comments. We ask that media please respect our privacy and that of Melissa's children,' the statement read.
They added that Hoskin’s funeral will be held in Perth, with a memorial service in Adelaide after the Tour Down Under.
Hoskins, originally from Perth, married Dennis in 2018. The couple have two children. Aside from her Olympic achievements, Hoskins won gold in the women's team pursuit at the 2015 UCI World Championships. She retired from professional cycling in 2017.
Dennis, a podium finisher at the 2013 and 2020 Olympics, a two-time world champion and a stage-winner in the 2015 Tour de France, only retired from professional cycling at the end of 2023.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Melissa Hoskins during this difficult time. Her contributions to the world of cycling and her vibrant spirit will be sorely missed.
Members, the comments section has been disabled due to legal reasons. Our thoughts remain with Hoskins’ family and loved ones during this difficult time, and we join in mourning the loss of a remarkable athlete and mother.
This tragedy has rippled through the Australian community, particularly in Adelaide, leaving fans and fellow athletes in a state of profound grief.
Melissa Hoskins, a former Olympian and world champion cyclist, died after allegedly being struck by a vehicle outside her residence. Police have arrested her husband, fellow Olympian and world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis.
She died on Saturday night near the couple's home in Adelaide.
Former cyclist Rohan Dennis broke his silence after the tragic death of his wife. Credit: @rohandennis / Instagram
Rohan Dennis, who was arrested and charged over his wife's death, has broken his silence for the first time since the tragic incident.
Emerging from his Medindie mansion on Tuesday afternoon, Dennis pleaded for privacy and time for his two children to grieve for their mother.
Dennis was first seen swiftly stepping outside the house, saying nothing to the media. But just an hour earlier, he sent two friends out to make a plea on his behalf.
His two friends asked the media not to film Dennis’s children.
'They need privacy, and they need to grieve,' one friend said.
'This is a terrible time for us.'
Meanwhile, the sounds of the couple's children laughing and then crying could be heard before they were driven from the house by Dennis’ two friends.
The world champion cyclist was collected in a separate car sometime later, pleading for his vehicle not to be followed.
The couple, both retired from professional sport, had been planning the next stage of their lives, which included the possibility of buying a vineyard in Adelaide Hills. Their dreams were shattered in an instant, leaving friends, family, and the wider community in shock and mourning.
The incident that led to Hoskins' death is alleged to have been captured on neighbours' security cameras.
Police alleged that Hoskins jumped onto the bonnet of the couple's $70,000 Volkswagen Amarok Highline ute and grabbed at a door handle while Dennis reportedly drove on until she fell to the ground. It’s also been alleged that she may have been dragged along the street.
A pair of teenage neighbours tried to give first aid to Hoskins as they waited for the paramedics to arrive. She was sent to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and later died.
Dennis was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life. He was released on bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court again in March.
Hoskin’s parents said in a statement that they were still trying to come to terms with the loss of their daughter.
‘Words cannot convey our grief, sadness and the tragic circumstances of Melissa's passing,' they said in a statement.
'Myself, Amanda, Jess, and families, are utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened.’
'Not only have we lost a daughter and sister, her children have lost their mum, a freewheeling spirit, a giver with a big heart, patience and zest for life.’
'She was the rock of their life and ours, and we need to honour her memory so they can grow up knowing who she was, what she stood for and what she gave to everyone whose life she touched.’
‘We now need to deal with our grief privately and will be making no further comments. We ask that media please respect our privacy and that of Melissa's children,' the statement read.
They added that Hoskin’s funeral will be held in Perth, with a memorial service in Adelaide after the Tour Down Under.
Hoskins, originally from Perth, married Dennis in 2018. The couple have two children. Aside from her Olympic achievements, Hoskins won gold in the women's team pursuit at the 2015 UCI World Championships. She retired from professional cycling in 2017.
Dennis, a podium finisher at the 2013 and 2020 Olympics, a two-time world champion and a stage-winner in the 2015 Tour de France, only retired from professional cycling at the end of 2023.
Members, the comments section has been disabled due to legal reasons. Our thoughts remain with Hoskins’ family and loved ones during this difficult time, and we join in mourning the loss of a remarkable athlete and mother.
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