The tragic news of the death of Olympian and former World Champion Melissa Dennis (née Hoskins) on New Year’s Eve quickly travelled around the world, sparking an outpouring of grief and sadness.
Many reports in Europe showed photographs of Hoskins and Rohan Dennis together with their young children or even from their wedding day. Dennis recently posted a family photo on Instagram before the holidays, writing, “Merry Christmas from our family to yours.”
The arrest and formal charges against Dennis in connection to the incident meant his name led most of the reports, but many people wanted to remember Hoskins.
Her former team, now called Jayco AlUla, wrote, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of former GreenEDGE Cycling rider Melissa Dennis nee Hoskins. Our thoughts are with her family and friends and the whole cycling community at this deeply saddening time. She will never be forgotten. RIP Mel.”
“Melissa Hoskins was a beautiful woman and a belter of a cyclist. We must remember *her*,” wrote @hollycamefrom on the social media.
“A champion on the cycling stage and an adoring mother of two, this was Melissa Dennis (née Hoskins) and in the prime of her life,” 9 New television said, with a collage of social media images and video of Hoskins opening their report on the incident in Adelaide.
According to multiple local and national media reports in Australia, Hoskins was allegedly hit by a driver in the Adelaide suburb of Medindie on the evening of December 30. She died from her injuries in the hospital the following morning. Dennis was reportedly charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life. He has been released on bail and is due to appear in court on March 13.
The CPA Women’s riders’ association was one of many to post on social media.
“Shocked by the news of #MelissaHoskins’ death, we send our thoughts to those who love her, starting with her children, and were lucky enough to ride with her during an all too short life. We will miss you, Melissa.”
Emma Bianchi remembered Hoskins’ achievements during her professional racing career.
“Junior World Champion and World Champion in the Team Pursuit. Several podiums in the Team Time Trial Road World Championships. Olympian. Cyclist, mother, daughter. You will be missed.”
Vox Women Cycling expressed its condolences across social media.
“Melissa Dennis née Hoskins, our…
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