Melissa Hoskins is laid to rest at packed funeral with her heartbroken father to deliver her eulogy – after she was allegedly run down by cycling champion husband Rohan Dennis’ ute

Heartbroken father of Olympic cyclist and mother of two Melissa Hoskins is expected to deliver a eulogy at her daughter’s funeral in Perth.

More than 100 mourners gathered in the West Chapel at Fremantle Cemetery to say goodbye to Mrs Hoskins.

The program for the service included a photo of a proud moment from her cycling career and a list of her most important achievements in the sport.

A montage of photos is expected to be played to the songs Perfect by Fairground Attraction Chords and George Ezra’s Shotgun.

Mrs Hoskins’ life was tragically cut short on December 30 when her husband, fellow professional athlete Rohan Dennis, allegedly struck her with a luxury car outside their $2.45 million home in Adelaide.

Her funeral will be held in Perth, where the 32-year-old grew up, at Fremantle Cemetery.

Following the Tour Down Under cycling event, a memorial service will also take place in Adelaide.

Her husband, fellow professional athlete Rohan Dennis, allegedly hit her with a luxury car outside their $2.45 million home in Adelaide

Order of service for Melissa Dennis’ funeral in Perth

Dennis, a former world cycling champion and Olympian, has been charged with causing the death of his wife by dangerous driving, careless driving and endangering life.

The 33-year-old, who has not yet entered pleas to the charge, has been released on bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13.

Police have not released details of Ms Hoskins’ death, but it is reported that she jumped onto the hood of the $70,000 dark gray 2022 Volkswagen Amarok Highline V6 and grabbed the door handle before the vehicle sped off and fell to the ground .

It is further alleged that she may have been dragged by the vehicle, with the incident captured on a neighbour’s security camera.

Dennis, a former world cycling champion and Olympian, has been charged with causing the death of his wife by dangerous driving, careless driving and endangering life

The 33-year-old, who has yet to enter pleas to the charges, has been released on bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13.

Ms Hoskins and Mr Dennis became lovers on the track during the 2012 London Olympics.

They married in February 2018 and split their time between Girona in Spain, La Massana in Andorra and Adelaide.

Their son was born in 2018, followed by a daughter in 2021.

The young family recently settled into their colonial mansion in Adelaide, which they bought in 2019 but rented out for a few years.

Ms Hoskins and Mr Dennis became lovers on the track during the 2012 London Olympics

TRIBUTE

Mrs Hoskins is already remembered by her parents, Peter and Amanda, and sister, Jess, as a ‘freewheeling spirit’ and ‘a giver with a big heart, patience and zest for life’.

In a statement, the family said they were “completely devastated and continue to struggle to come to terms with what has happened,” and acknowledged that her children had also lost their beloved mother.

“She was the rock of their lives and ours, and we must honor her memory so that they can grow up knowing who she was, what she stood for and what she gave to all whose lives she touched,” they said .

‘The outpouring of sadness and support has overwhelmed us. In her short life, Melissa has had so many positive contact moments in and around the world.’

Melissa Hoskins with her father Peter. Image: supplied

Melissa Hoskins with her mother Amanda. Image: supplied

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Ms Hoskins grew up in Kalamunda, in the Perth Hills, and attended Walliston Primary School and then Carmel Adventist College.

She started competitive cycling at the age of 16, specializing in grueling endurance events.

Later, Ms. Hoskins enrolled but did not complete a bachelor’s degree in sports science at Murdoch University from 2010 to 2012, and was a member of the Elite Athlete Program.

She also completed a unit at Curtin University.

Melissa Hoskins (right) with her sister Jessica Locke. Image: supplied

CYCLING CAREER

Ms Hoskins was part of Australia’s bid for bronze in London, but the team of three riders were defeated by the US.

Four years later, the four-rider Australian team was expected to challenge Great Britain for gold at the Rio Olympics.

But she suffered an injury and although she completed the first two rounds, she sat out the final where the team finished in fifth place.

Ms Hoskins won gold in the women’s team pursuit at the 2015 World Championships.