MELISSA Hoskins died in the early hours of New Year’s Eve 2023 after being struck by a car.
Her husband Rohan Dennis has been charged over the tragic incident — here we take a look at Rohan’s life and what happened.
Who is Melissa Hoskins’ husband Rohan Dennis?
Rohan Dennis, 33, is an Australian former World Champion cyclist and Tour de France star.
Dennis won an Olympic silver medal at London 2012 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020.
In 2015 Rohan set a record for the longest distance travelled in an hour and started the Tour de France in pole position after winning the stage one individual time trial at a record-breaking pace.
Despite getting off to a flying start, Dennis finished the tour out of the top 100.
He was awarded the Sir Hubert Opperman medal and trophy for Australia’s best all-round cyclist for 2015.
Rohan announced his retirement at the end of the 2023 season via a heartfelt Instagram post: “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.”
What has Rohan Dennis been charged with?
Dennis was charged over the road death of his wife Melissa on December 30, 2023.
He was arrested after the alleged collision and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.
Hoskins was struck by a vehicle on a residential street in the inner northern suburb of Medindie, South Australia, at around 8pm on Saturday December 30, 2023.
Mum-of-two Melissa was rushed to hospital with serious injuries, but sadly passed away shortly after.
The 32-year-old was struck by the vehicle on a tree-lined street in the inner northern suburb of Medindie, South Australia at around 8pm on December 30.
It is alleged Melissa, who is also a retired professional cyclist and Olympian, jumped onto the car bonnet and grabbed at a door handle before she died, according to local reports.
Dennis allegedly carried on driving the vehicle after hitting Hoskins, continuing to move until she fell to the ground.
It is also alleged that Hoskins was dragged along the road — which was reportedly caught on neighbours’ security cameras.
And two teenage neighbours are said to have tried to save her life by administering first aid.
After paramedics arrived at the scene, Hoskins was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Melissa died in the early hours of New Year’s Eve 2023 as a result of the injuries sustained after being hit by the couple’s Volkswagen Amarok Highline.
Following the charges, Dennis was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13.
When did Melissa Hoskins and Rohan Dennis get married?
Hoskins and Dennis tied the knot in 2018.
Little else is known about the wedding.
The couple preferred to keep their private lives out of the public spotlight.
Did Melissa Hoskins and Rohan Dennis have any children together?
Yes, Hoskins and Dennis have two children together.
Their names and other personal information has been kept out of the public domain.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
One January 2, two of Dennis’ friends made an impassioned plea on his behalf regarding the children, saying: “They need privacy and they need to grieve. This is a terrible time for us.”
The children could reportedly be heard laughing before the two friends drove them away from the Dennis family home.
