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

South Australian former world champion Rohan Dennis was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

Rohan Dennis and wife Melissa in 2015. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

A former world champion cyclist has been charged over the death of his Olympian wife after allegedly hitting her with a ute on Saturday night.

South Australian Rohan Dennis was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

The mother of two, Melissa Dennis died after allegedly being struck by a grey ute in the inner-northern suburb of Medindie at 8pm.

Rohan Dennis racing in 2015. Picture: Matt Turner.

Police allege Mr Dennis, 33, was driving a ute that struck his wife just metres from the front of their family home in Adelaide.

When paramedics arrived, Ms Dennis, 32, was found with serious injuries and rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The couple were both ­Olympic-level cyclists, with Mr Dennis taking home a silver medal in 2012 and a bronze in 2020, while Ms Dennis missed out on a medal in 2012 by just 0.18 seconds.

Rohan Dennis celebrates at Victor Harbour during the Tour Down Under 2023: Picture: Getty Images

Mr Dennis, a two-time world champion, called time on his 16-year cycling career earlier in 2023, 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.

“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 was bailed to ­appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13.