Australian world champion cyclist and two-time Olympian, Melissa Hoskins, tragically lost her life over the weekend in a car accident near her home in Adelaide. The 32-year-old athlete was struck by a car, leading to her untimely demise.
Reports from Australian media indicate that Melissa’s husband, Rohan Dennis, a former professional cyclist, has been arrested and charged in connection with her death.
Expressing deep sorrow, the Australian Olympic Committee conveyed their condolences to Melissa’s family, friends, and the entire cycling community during this incredibly challenging time.
A statement from the South Australia Police revealed that the 32-year-old woman from Medindie, an Adelaide suburb, sustained severe injuries and succumbed to them in the hospital after the car accident on Saturday evening.
A 33-year-old man from Medindie, known to the victim, was arrested by the police. He faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life. The man has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13.
While authorities did not directly name Melissa Hoskins or Rohan Dennis, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the cyclist’s family issued a public statement mourning her loss. Melissa’s father, Peter, expressed the profound impact of losing a daughter and sister, highlighting her role as a caring and lively spirit.
Melissa Hoskins, a pivotal member of the Australian cycling team, contributed to winning gold in the women’s team pursuit at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in France in 2015. She also represented Australia in the Olympic Games in London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016. Melissa retired from professional cycling in 2017.
Former teammates, including Annette Edmondson, shared memories of Melissa, praising her as a dominant force in the cycling world. Edmondson described Melissa as someone who left an indelible mark before transitioning to her next dream of starting a family, becoming the ultimate mother.
The tragic incident has cast a somber shadow over the legacy of this accomplished cyclist and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.
