Tragic Loss: Renowned Olympic Cyclist Melissa Hoskins Passes Away at 32 in Car Accident
Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins tragically passes away at 32 after a fatal car collision Australia mourns the loss of the former world champion and pays tribute to her remarkable career
Australian Olympic track cyclist Melissa Hoskins, a former world champion, passed away at the age of 32, according to her country's Olympic committee. In a statement released by South Australian Police, it was reported that a 32-year-old woman, identified as Hoskins by local media, tragically died after being struck by a car driven by a man known to her in Adelaide, Australia.
According to a police statement, the woman sustained severe injuries and was transported to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, she passed away in the hospital overnight. Australian national broadcaster ABC and local media sources stated that Hoskins' husband Rohan Dennis, a two-time world time trial champion and a Tour de France stage winner, was arrested and charged in connection with her death.
The 33-year-old man, who has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life, was not named in the police statement. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear at the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13th.
CNN has reached out to both the South Australian Police and Adelaide Magistrates Court for confirmation that Dennis was the man arrested and charged, as well as the date of his court appearance. Additionally, CNN has contacted Dennis directly through his website and his management team for comment. According to a police spokesperson, the policy is to not confirm the names of those accused involved in an incident.
Hoskins achieved success as a track cyclist, winning a world championship and setting a world record in 2015 as a member of Australia's women's team pursuit quartet. She also participated in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games in the same event, narrowly missing out on a medal by only 0.181 seconds at the 2012 London Games.
Melissa Hoskins celebrates her silver medal in the Women's Scratch Race at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in 2012.
Joe Castro/EPA/Shutterstock
She retired in May 2017 after the Rio Olympic Games, married Dennis in February 2018 and had two children.
The cycling community, including her compatriot and Olympic gold medalist Anna Meares, expressed their condolences for Hoskins. Meares stated, "I have a very heavy heart. My thoughts are with their children, family, and fellow friends." In a post on X, she added, "This is a very difficult and tragic time. RIP Melissa Hoskins."
CPA Women, the global organization for women cyclists, expressed their shock and condolences following the news of Melissa Hoskins' passing. They extended their thoughts to her loved ones, particularly her children, and those who had the privilege of riding with her during her tragically short life.
Hoskins' former team, now named Liv AlUla Jayco, expressed their devastation upon hearing the news of her passing.
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends and the whole cycling community at this deeply saddening time. She will never be forgotten," the team said on X.
