Melissa Hoskins’ family releases heartbreaking statement in wake of world champ’s tragic death

The family of world champion cyclist Melissa Hoskins say they are “struggling to process what has happened” following her shock death and the arrest of her husband Rohan Dennis.

The family of world champion cyclist Melissa Hoskins say they are “utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened” following her shock death.

The 32-year-old former professional cyclist and mother-of-two died in hospital in Adelaide from injuries she sustained after she was struck by a ute on Saturday night.

Her husband, former two-time world time trial Rohan Dennis has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

He has been bailed to appear at the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13.

In a statement released through AusCycling Ms Hoskins’ father Peter, mother Amanda and sister Jess said “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 statement said.

“Not only have we lost a daughter and sister, her children have lost their mum, a freewheeling spirit, a giver with a big heart, patience and zest for life.

“She was the rock of their life and ours and we need to honour her memory so they can grow up knowing who she was, what she stood for and what she gave to everyone whose life she touched.

Amy Cure posted a tribute to Melissa Hoskins on social media.

“The outpouring of sadness and support has overwhelmed us. In her short life Melissa has had so many positive touch points in and around the world.

“The funeral will be held in Perth, her hometown, with a memorial service in Adelaide after the Tour Down Under.

“We now need to deal with our grief privately and will be making no further comments. We ask that media please respect our privacy and that of Melissa’s children.”

Tributes continued to roll in for Hoskins in the wake of her death.

The shock death of the former professional cyclist and mother-of-two has rocked Australian and global cycling and has sparked an outpouring of grief from many in the sport.

The world has lost a shining star this weekend. A fun, loving, hilarious person, who was so talented in so many areas. A force to be reckoned with, she took the cycling world by storm, before pursuing her next dream; starting a family & becoming the ultimate Mum. RIP Mel💕 pic.twitter.com/mU02KVxvKU

— Annette Edmondson (@NettieEdmo) January 1, 2024

Hoskins was part of the Australian women’s team pursuit team that won world championship gold in a new world record time in 2015.

She also competed for Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in London and Rio.

Fellow team member Amy Cure said Hoskins would be forever missed.

“My rivalry, my teammate, writing our names in world record books, world championship victories, Olympic Games upsets, to celebrating retirements. You were there for the entirety of my career,” she posted on Instagram.

Annette Edmondson, Ashlee Ankudinoff, Amy Cure and Melissa Hoskins celebrate after winning the women’s team pursuit team at the 2015 world championships in Paris. Picture: Getty Images

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

“I’m especially grateful for our time post-retirement where we have had the opportunity to consolidate our journey over many of laughs and great memories. You will be forever missed my sister.”

Three-time world champion on the track Annette Edmondson posted a lengthy tribute on her Instagram, after describing her friend as a “beautiful soul” on Monday.

“I still can’t comprehend that the world has lost one of its shining stars this weekend,” she posted.

“A fun, loving, hilarious person, who was so talented in so many areas. A force to be reckoned with, she took the track and road cycling world by storm, before pursuing her next dream, starting a family and becoming the ultimate Mum.

Annette Edmondson celebrates with Amy Cure and Melissa Hoskins (right) after winning gold during the women's 10km scratch race at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“I’m so grateful to have known you Mel. 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.

“Standing on top of the world, singing that national anthem with you, Aims (Cure) and Ash (Ashlee Ankudinoff) (and Sutto/Beck!) in 2015 was one of the best days of my life after everything we had been through as a team, and I will never forget it.

“You, your infectious smile and your wicked laugh will always have a piece of my heart and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Keep on dancing/boiling those damn kettle eggs for me will you?”

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 @MelissaMHoskins 💔 pic.twitter.com/aK8il9jePt

— Anna Meares (@AnnaMeares) December 31, 2023

Former teammate in road cycling Valentina Scandolara said there were “no words” to describe what had happened.

“There are simply no words for a tragedy of this magnitude,” she posted.

“Mel was an amazing, fun, loyal, strong, wonderful woman, athlete, teammate, champion.

“As long as we’ll remember and celebrate her, she’ll somehow still be, and her legacy will live on.

“We didn’t stay much in touch after those incredible years, but I’ll never forget you, big Mel.

“Thank you for sharing with me some of your light, in some of the best moments of my life.

“Thoughts and love go to the family, the people closest to her, and her beautiful children.”