In a shocking turn of events, former Australian professional cyclist Rohan Dennis has been arrested and charged with causing the death of his wife, Melissa Hoskins, after allegedly hitting her with his car. The incident took place in the city of Adelaide on Saturday evening, prompting a swift response from the local police.
According to Australian broadcast station 10 News First, police were called to Avenel Gardens Road just after 8 p.m. following reports of a woman being struck by a car. Melissa Hoskins, a retired Olympic cyclist and mother of Dennis' two children, suffered serious injuries and was immediately rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment. Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she later succumbed to her injuries, as confirmed by a press release from the South Australian Police.
The couple, who had been married since 2018, were both renowned figures in the world of cycling. Rohan Dennis, 33, is a dual world champion and had recently retired from the sport. Melissa Hoskins, 32, had also retired from professional cycling after an impressive career that included competing at the Olympic level. Their shared passion for cycling had brought them together, but now it seems to have resulted in a devastating tragedy.
Dennis has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life. Despite the severity of the charges, he has been granted bail and is set to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers, with the assurance of anonymity.
This heartbreaking incident adds to the alarming statistics of road fatalities in South Australia. The press release reveals that Melissa Hoskins' death marks the 114th life lost on SA roads this year, a significant increase compared to the same period last year when there were 71 fatalities. This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that exist on our roads and the need for heightened awareness and responsible driving.
As the community mourns the loss of Melissa Hoskins, her family, friends, and the cycling community are left grappling with the shock and sorrow of her untimely death. The impact of this tragedy will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, as questions linger about the circumstances leading up to the fatal incident. The court proceedings will shed further light on the case, but for now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of a talented athlete and loving mother whose life was tragically cut short.
