Former world champion cyclist charged with killing wife after 'running her over'

31 December 2023 , 12:12

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Rohan Dennis (R) has been arrested and charged following the death of his wife Melissa Hoskins (L)

Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis has been charged with “causing death by dangerous driving” after his wife was killed outside their home in Adelaide, Australia.

Dennis, 33, has also been charged with driving without due care and endangering life. He has been released on bail and is due to appear in court on March 13, 2024.

The incident occurred on an avenue near their home in the northern suburb of Medindie a little after 8pm on Saturday night. The Sun claims Dennis was behind the wheel when his car allegedly collided with his wife.

Melissa Hoskins, a multiple Olympian who narrowly missed out on a medal at London 2012, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and died shortly after. They were married in 2017 and had two children.

Detectives attended the scene to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, with local television reports showing them studying a large pick-up truck. In a statement South Australia police said: “A woman has died and a man has been arrested following a crash at Medindie last night.

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“Just after 8pm on Saturday 30 December, police and emergency services were called to Avenel Gardens Road after reports that a woman had been hit by a car. A 32-year-old Medindie woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment. Sadly, she died in hospital overnight.

“Major Crash officers attended the scene along with Detectives from Eastern District CIB to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The driver is known to the woman.

"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.”

Rohan Dennis retired at the end of this season. (Getty Images,)

Dennis, a gold medallist at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, retired this year after a final spell with Jumbo-Visma and at the end of the season he paid tribute to his wife in an Instagram post.

He wrote: "Thank you Melissa Dennis for supporting me throughout my entire professional career, all while raising two of the best kids I could ever ask for."

Dennis won stages at all three Grand Tours during his career and held the prestigious One Hour record in 2015.

CPA Women, the worldwide association of women cyclists, said it was "shocked" by the news of Hoskins' death, adding: "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."

Alan Smith