As the cycling world mourns the tragic passing of Melissa Hoskins last Saturday, the family of the two-time Olympian and former world champion have released a heartbreaking statement, saying they are "utterly devastated".
"Myself, Amanda, Jess and families are utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened," says her father Peter. "Not only have we lost a daughter and sister, her children have lost their mum, a freewheeling spirit, a giver with a big heart, patience and zest for life. She was the rock of their life and ours and we need to honour her memory so they can grow up knowing who she was, what she stood for and what she gave to everyone whose life she touched. In her short life, Melissa has had so many positive touch points in and around the world."
Hoskins husband and father of their two children, former INEOS Grenadiers and Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider, Rohan Dennis was arrested on charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life but has been released on bail with his trial date set for March.
According to reports, the pair got into an argument on Saturday night and as Dennis was leaving in his car, Hoskins tried to stop him, climbing onto the hood of the vehicle. As the car began moving she was dragged and ultimately landed on the road. Hoskins' fingerprints were found on the hood of the car which corroborates this.
Despite being rushed to hospital, Hoskins tragically succumbed to her injuries in an Adelaide hospital.
"It was with shock and sorrow that we learned of Melissa Hoskins’ tragic death. "Melissa, a mother, daughter, and wife, was also a champion cyclist who thrilled and inspired us with her exquisite skills on the track and road." Full statement: auscycling.org.au/nat/news/state…
