Ex-world cycling champion Rohan Dennis facing prison after admitting charge over death of Olympian wife Melissa Hoskins
A former world cycling champion could receive a prison sentence of up to seven years after confessing to charges linked to a car accident that resulted in the death of his wife, who was also an Olympic cyclist, Melissa Hoskins.
Rohan Dennis was taken into custody and accused of causing a fatality through reckless driving after a collision involving Hoskins occurred outside their residence in the Medindie neighborhood of Adelaide, Australia, on December 30, 2023.
The former cyclist faced charges for reckless driving and putting lives at risk.
The 34-year-old attended court on Tuesday and accepted a reduced charge related to creating a risk of harm.
Jane Abbey KC stated, "Mr. Dennis did not intend to hurt his wife, and this accusation does not hold him accountable for her death."
Dennis, who is from Adelaide, will receive his sentencing at a future time.
The highest possible punishment is a seven-year prison sentence.
Hoskins, 32, who hailed from Kalamunda in Western Australia, was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with severe injuries following the accident; however, he passed away during the night.
In 2018, she tied the knot with Dennis, and together they welcomed two kids.
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Hoskins was a former cyclist who competed in track and road racing. He was part of the pursuit team that secured fourth place at the London Olympics in 2012.
She was a member of the pursuit team that secured fifth place at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Dennis, who ended his professional cycling career in 2023, claimed victories in various stages of the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España.
He also secured world championship titles in both road and track cycling and was a member of the Australian team that earned a silver medal in the team pursuit event at the 2012 Olympics.
