7 Mar 2024

Pro cyclist to face court next week following death of his wife

6:00 am on 7 March 2024
World champion cyclist Rohan Dennis (right) has been charged over the New Year's Eve death of his wife Melissa Hoskins (left), also a world champion rider.

Photo: Instagram / Rohan Dennis

Professional cyclist Rohan Dennis will face court for the first time next week since being charged with causing the death of his Olympian wife Melissa Hoskins, with court documents alleging he drove in a "culpably negligent manner".

The mother of two was struck by a car allegedly driven by Mr Dennis outside their Medindie home in Adelaide's inner north on December 30.

Police previously said Ms Hoskins suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment, but died overnight.

The world champion cyclist was farewelled by her family and teammates at a public memorial service in Adelaide last month, held on what would have been her 33rd birthday.

Following an investigation, Mr Dennis was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving - which is a major indictable offence - as well as one count of driving without due care.

Court documents filed to the Adelaide Magistrates Court obtained by the ABC show police will allege Mr Dennis drove "recklessly or at a speed or in a manner which was dangerous to any person".

"And by that culpable negligence, recklessness or other conduct, caused the death of Melissa Marie Dennis," the document states.

Mr Dennis has been on bail and is due to face court next Wednesday.

This story first appeared on the ABC