Australian cycling star Rohan Dennis has reached a plea deal in a tragic case involving the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins.
The 34-year-old former world champion appeared in court in Adelaide, where he faced charges related to the heartbreaking incident outside their home in Medindie late last year. On December 30, 2023, Melissa, 32, was struck by Dennis’s vehicle, suffering critical injuries. She passed away shortly afterward at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Initially charged with dangerous driving causing death, Dennis has now pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. This decision comes as part of a plea agreement between his defense team and prosecutors. While he won’t be held directly responsible for his wife’s death, the new charge—creating a likelihood of harm—carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
Dennis’s lawyer, Jane Abbey, explained to the court that the original charges had been dropped in favor of this lesser charge. He will return to court on January 24 for sentencing and remains free on bail until then.
The couple shared a deep bond, having gotten engaged in 2017 and married a year later. They had two children together, making this tragedy all the more devastating. Both were accomplished athletes, with Melissa representing Australia in track cycling at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and winning gold at the 2015 World Championships in the team pursuit event.
Rohan Dennis, who retired from professional cycling at the end of 2023, had a decorated career of his own. He earned two world titles in the road time trial and stood on Olympic podiums twice—winning silver in the team pursuit at the London Games and bronze in the road time trial in Tokyo. He also famously wore the prestigious yellow jersey in the 2015 Tour de France after a record-breaking time trial victory.
The case has sent shockwaves through both the cycling community and their hometown, leaving fans and friends grappling with the loss of a talented athlete and mother.
