On December 31, news of 32-year-old Olympian Melissa Hoskins’ death shocked the sports world.
In her short life, Hoskins became one of the best cyclists in the world. At the age of 23, just six years after she started cycling competitively, Hoskins competed and metaled in several world championships and finished fourth in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
She went on to win the World Championships in 2015 before also competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
The AOC has expressed the utmost sadness at the loss of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins after the tragic events in Adelaide.
Our condolences go to Melissa’s family, friends and the cycling community at this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/oh8Z8w2qf8
— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) December 31, 2023
Two years later, Hoskins married her husband, fellow Olympian and cyclist, Rohan Dennis, in 2018. In the last five years, the couple welcomed two children into the world.
Now, as the Australian Olympic Committee revealed on Twitter, Hoskins has reportedly passed away on December 30, 2023. Her husband has been arrested in connection with her untimely passing, People reports.
According to the Guardian, Hoskins was reportedly hit by a car in Adelaide on Saturday. She was rushed to a nearby hospital with severe injuries but later died in the hospital.
Now, Dennis faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life. What caused the accident is unclear as are other details of the case. It’s reported both Melissa and Rohan have retired from the sport.
Rohan last posted to Instagram on Christmas Day. He shared a photo of himself, Melissa, and their two children in front of their Christmas tree.