Rohan Dennis, the Australian cycling champion and former world champion, was sentenced to nearly 17 months under suspension after being involved in a tragic road incident that led to the death of his wife, Olympian Melissa Hoskins. The District Court in South Australia handed down the decision, noting Dennis’s guilty plea, his expression of remorse, and his responsibilities as the sole caregiver to their young children.
In December 2023, Dennis, aged 34, was involved in an aggravated act that was likely to cause harm, although he was not charged with causing his wife’s death. The incident began after an argument between the couple over home renovations, prompting Dennis to leave in his car to calm down. During this time, Hoskins climbed onto the bonnet of the car, and Dennis continued driving slowly for about 10 seconds, which the judge deemed a “risky and dangerous act.”
After Hoskins got off the bonnet, she opened the door of the moving car, and Dennis attempted to close it as he tried to drive away. However, as Dennis accelerated, Hoskins unknowingly held onto the car, resulting in her falling off and suffering fatal injuries. She passed away in an Adelaide hospital shortly afterward.
Hoskins, a retired track cyclist, represented Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and was a key member of the team that won the 2015 World Championships in France. Dennis, who has also achieved success in the cycling world, including victories at the World Time Trials in 2018 and 2019, expressed deep regret for his actions.
Judge Ian Press acknowledged the tragic consequences of the event, which caused immense grief to those who knew and loved Hoskins, while emphasizing the deeply tragic nature of the incident.
