The devastated family of Melissa Hoskins have released a statement following the champion cyclist’s death over the weekend.
The 32-year-old mother of two died in hospital after she was struck by a car on Saturday night in Adelaide’s inner north.
Hoskins’ husband Rohan Dennis, an Olympic cycling medallist and former world champion, has been arrested and charged over her death.
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He is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life and has been bailed to appear in court in March.
Hoskins’ parents said they are still struggling to process what happened.
“Words cannot convey our grief, sadness and the tragic circumstances of Melissa’s passing,” they said in a statement.
“Myself, Amanda, Jess and families, are utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened.
“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.
“The outpouring of sadness and support has overwhelmed us. In her short life Melissa has had so many positive touch points in and around the world.”
They added that the funeral will be held in Perth with a memorial service in Adelaide after the Tour Down Under.
“We now need to deal with our grief privately and will be making no further comments. We ask that media please respect our privacy and that of Melissa’s children,” the statement concluded.
Hoskins competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics on the track in the team pursuit and was in the squad that won the 2015 world title in the event.
Australia was one of the gold medal contenders at the 2016 Rio Games but a training crash days before qualifying cruelled their chances.
Hoskins was among those injured in the pile-up and after riding in the qualifying round, was forced to sit out the rest of the event as Australia finished fifth.
She and Australian great Anna Meares were members of the track cycling team at the London and Rio Games.
“I have a very heavy heart. My thoughts are with their children, family and fellow friends. This is a very difficult and tragic time. RIP @MelissaMHoskins”, Meares posted on X.
– With AAP
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