Melissa Hoskins, a renowned Australian Olympic cyclist and world champion, has passed away at the age of 32.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night in an inner suburb of Adelaide, where she was struck by a car. Despite being rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, she did not survive the accident.
South Australia Police released a statement confirming the incident, stating that a 33-year-old man, known to the victim, was arrested and charged with causing her death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life.
While local media widely reported that Hoskins was the victim and her husband, fellow professional cyclist Rohan Dennis, was the arrested driver, South Australia Police declined to confirm the identities due to privacy laws.
Georgia Baker, Annette Edmondson, Amy Cure and Melissa Hoskins of Australia compete in the Women’s Team Pursuit Track Cycling Qualifying on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Credit: David Ramos / Getty
According to ABC News, Hoskins was allegedly hit by a pickup truck driven by Dennis near their Adelaide residence.
In response to the devastating news, Hoskins’ parents, Peter and Amanda, and her sister, Jess, issued a joint statement through AusCycling, expressing their profound grief and sadness. They described Hoskins as a loving mother and a vibrant soul who brought immense joy to their lives.
The statement read, “Words cannot convey our grief, sadness, and the tragic circumstances of Melissa’s passing. Myself, Amanda, Jess, and families are utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened.”
The family emphasized the profound loss for Hoskins’s children, who have lost their mother and described her as a freewheeling spirit with a big heart, patience, and a zest for life.
They expressed their determination to honor Hoskins’s memory and provide her children with a profound understanding of her values, character, and the impact she had on those around her.
The family plans to hold the funeral in Hoskins’s hometown, Perth, and arrange a memorial service in Adelaide following the Tour Down Under event later this month. They have requested privacy during this challenging time of mourning.
Hoskins was a prominent figure in the world of cycling, representing Australia in the team pursuit at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Her team achieved a gold medal in the team pursuit at the 2015 World Championships in France.
Dennis, her husband, was part of the Australian cycling team that won silver in the team pursuit at the 2012 London Olympics and earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
While Hoskins retired from professional cycling in 2017, Dennis recently retired earlier this year. The cycling community around the world has been deeply affected by Hoskins’s tragic passing, and tributes have been pouring in from her peers.
The Australian Olympic Committee expressed their profound sadness over the loss, extending their condolences to Hoskins’s family, friends, and the global cycling community.
Fellow Australian Olympic cyclist Anna Meares conveyed her heartfelt sympathy, saying, “I have a very heavy heart. My thoughts are with their children, family, and fellow friends. This is a very difficult and tragic time. RIP.”
Annette Edmonson, another accomplished Australian cyclist, paid tribute to Hoskins, describing her as “a fun, loving, hilarious person” and a shining star who excelled in various areas. Edmonson reminisced about their competitive spirit on the track and road, highlighting their exceptional teamwork in the team time trial and team pursuit events.
Edmonson, who had the privilege of competing alongside Hoskins when they won the world championships in 2015, referred to it as “one of the best days of my life.” She concluded her tribute by saying, “You drove me to become a better athlete. We were so competitive on the track and road, but when we came together in the team time trial and team pursuit, we were one.”
