Rohan Dennis charged over wife’s death after she was allegedly struck by a ute at Medindie

A former world champion cyclist has been charged over his wife’s death after she was allegedly struck by a ute in a crash at Medindie.

Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis has been charged over his wife’s death after she was allegedly struck by a ute on Saturday night at Medindie.

Retired professional cyclist and mother-of-two Melissa Hoskins was allegedly hit by a grey ute on Avenel Gardens Road and died from her injuries in hospital.

Just after 8pm, emergency services were called to the scene, after witnesses reported a woman was hit by a car.

When paramedics arrived, 32-year-old Ms Hoskins was found with serious injuries and rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Detectives and Major Crash officers investigated the scene and arrested 33-year-old Mr Dennis, charging him with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

Melissa Hoskins was allegedly hit by a ute and died from her injuries in hospital. Picture: Instagram

Her husband Rohan Dennis has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life. Picture: Instagram

Rohan Dennis is a former world champion cyclist. Picture: Tim de Waele/Getty Images

An AusCycling spokesperson issued a statement about the incident, saying it was “aware of a tragic incident involving a former member of the Australian cycling team”.

Mr Dennis, a dual world champion, called time on his 16-year cycling career earlier this year, announcing the news via an Instagram post where he thanked his wife.

“Thank you @melissamdennis for supporting me throughout my entire professional career, all while raising two of the best kids I could ever ask for,” his post read.

“Cycling, you have given me a lot and I’ll be forever grateful. It is still a long season ahead however it will definitely be my last as a professional.”

Mr Dennis raced in the Santos Tour Down Under ten times, claiming the overall victory in 2015, while also setting a new World Hour record and winning the opening stage of the Tour de France the same year.

The couple were initially listed on the Santos Tour Down Under website to lead a family ride event at next year’s cycling event in Adelaide — but those details have since been removed from the website.

Ms Hoskins announced the couple’s engagement in In May 2017. The couple has been married since February 2018. Picture: Instagram

Ms Hoskins was herself an accomplished former track and road racing cyclist. Picture: Instagram

Rohan Dennis with wife Melissa in 2016. Picture Sarah Reed

Melissa Hoskins announced her retirement from professional cycling in 2017. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

Ms Hoskins was herself was an accomplished former track and road racing cyclist who announced her retirement from professional cycling in 2017.

She competed in the 2012 London Olympics in the women’s cycling Team Pursuit and also in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she was involved in a high-speed crash at the Olympic Velodrome during training.

A former world champ cyclist has been charged over the death of his wife in a suburban car crash.

She also competed in several national track championships and UCI Track Cycling World Championships

In May 2017 Ms Hoskins announced the couple’s engagement as well as her retirement from competition, with the pair marrying in February 2018.

Avenel Gardens Rd resident Andrew Boaucaut, 71, said he has lived on the street his entire life and never seen or heard of a crash in the neighbourhood.

“All I heard was just one long siren,” Mr Boaucaut said.

“There was no smash bang or anything like that, just the siren.”

Police at the scene of the collision in Medindie. Picture: 7NEWS

Melissa was rushed to hospital, but died overnight Picture: 7NEWS

A married couple who live on the street said they saw a black ute being towed from the T-junction joining the two thoroughfares of Avenel Garden Rd.

They said they both worked at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and were trained to give first aid.

“None of the neighbours asked us for help, so it must have been very quiet,” the woman said.

“The first I heard about it was when I walked out around 10pm and saw a police car in the driveway, but there were no sirens or anything like that.

Rohan Dennis was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life. Picture: 7NEWS

“Everyone has been a little bit more wary, unnerved after the alleged murder of the doctor in Gilberton, making sure their gates are locked, that sort of thing.

“But other than that it’s always been such a quiet street.”

Dennis has been bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13.

Police said Ms Hoskins’ death ws the 114th life lost on SA roads this year, compared to 71 at the same time last year.

Rohan Dennis competes in the 23rd Santos Tour Down Under in 2023. Picture: Tim de Waele/Getty Images