Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis has pleaded guilty in connection with the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins. Hoskins, 31, was struck by a vehicle driven by Dennis outside their Adelaide home on 30 December 2023, and later died in hospital.
Dennis, who was initially charged with dangerous driving causing death and driving without due care, admitted to a lesser charge of aggravated dangerous driving, creating the likelihood of harm. His plea means he acknowledged driving a vehicle in close proximity to Hoskins, knowing it was likely to cause harm or showing reckless disregard for her safety.
Dennis’s lawyer clarified that the charge did not imply he intended to harm Hoskins or was responsible for her death.
Hoskins, a world champion in team pursuit in 2015 and two-time Olympian, tragically passed away, leading to tributes from around the world. Dennis, a decorated cyclist, retired in 2023 after an illustrious career. The couple married in 2018 and had two children together. Dennis will be sentenced at a later date.
