In December 2023, the Olympic community was jolted by the news of two-time Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins being struck by a car outside her Australian home. The shock intensified when it was revealed that her husband, former Olympian and world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis, was behind the wheel. He was promptly arrested and charged in connection with her death. Almost a year later, Dennis pleaded guilty to the aggravated charge of “creating the likelihood of harm,” which comes with a maximum sentence of seven years. This raised many questions about how Melissa Hoskins died and why her husband pleaded guilty. Here is everything you need to know about the Olympian's tragic death.

Unraveling the Mystery of an Olympic Tragedy

Who is Rohan Dennis?

Rohan Dennis is a renowned former Olympic cyclist and world champion. He represented Team Australia and achieved remarkable feats, winning the silver medal in 2012 and the bronze medal in 2020. According to Hoskins' Instagram posts, they started dating in 2012, the same year they both competed at the London Olympics. In February 2018, they got married. After winning two world championships, the couple decided it was time for Dennis to retire. In 2019, during the Tour de France, he walked off the race mid-way as he didn't want to be a statistic of a sportsperson potentially getting divorced. As per VeloNews, he had a frank conversation with his wife before the Tour de Suisse, and her words made him realize the kind of person he was becoming. According to CyclingNews.com, in 2023, he announced his retirement from the sport on his now-private Instagram, thanking Hoskins for her support and for raising two wonderful kids.

Who was Melissa Hoskins?

Melissa Hoskins was a former track cyclist who competed for Team Australia in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. She also won the gold medal in the same event at the 2015 World Championships. During the 2016 Olympics, she was hospitalized after her pursuit team crashed during a training session. The following year, she announced her retirement from the sport, stating that it was time for a new chapter. As she said, cycling can be a very self-centered sport, and with both her and Rohan in the same household striving to be the best, after five years of success, another four years until the next Olympic cycle seemed too difficult.

How did Hoskins die?

On December 30, 2023, Dennis hit Hoskins with his Volkswagen Amarok Highline, a large SUV-style truck, outside their home. The details leading to her death remain unclear, but police informed The Australian that Dennis was driving with Hoskins on the hood of the vehicle, and she fell to the ground. As per a release from the South Australia Police, she sustained serious injuries and passed away overnight in the hospital. She was only 32 years old. Her parents and sister expressed their grief in a statement, saying that they had lost a daughter and sister, and her children had lost their mother, a free-spirited, kind-hearted, patient, and life-loving person. A few days before the fatal incident, Dennis shared a photo of his family in front of a Christmas tree with the caption “Merry Christmas from our family to yours.”

What was Dennis charged with?

At the time of the incident, Dennis was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without due care. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison, as reported by The New York Times. On December 10, 2024, Dennis pleaded guilty to the aggravated charge of “creating the likelihood of harm.” This means that although his actions were reckless, he is not criminally responsible for his wife's death. The lesser charge has a shorter maximum sentence compared to what he was originally facing, and the charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving without due care were dropped. According to BBC, Court Magistrate Justin Wickens explained the charges further, stating that Dennis was driving while Hoskins was nearby or on the vehicle and that he got behind the wheel even though he was aware it could cause her harm. Wickens also mentioned that it was an aggravated offense as Dennis and Hoskins were in a relationship.

What will happen to Dennis now after he pleaded guilty?

Dennis' new charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 24, 2025.