World champion cyclist Melissa Hoskins was spotted in an Instagram post shared by her husband just days before he allegedly hit his Olympian wife with his ute.
Mrs Hoskins' husband and former star cyclist, Rohan Dennis, 33, shared the post on social media, in which he smiled alongside Mrs Hoskins, 32, and their two children.
“Merry Christmas from our family to yours,” the caption reads.
Ms Hoskins is believed to have been hit by a vehicle in Adelaide's north on Sunday, December 31. She was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with serious injuries and died hours later.
Melissa Hoskins (left) died after she was reportedly hit by a car in Adelaide's north on Sunday and her husband Rohan Dennis (right) was reportedly behind the wheel
South Australian police arrested Mr Dennis, who was allegedly behind the wheel of a car that hit the mother-of-two.
Mr Dennis has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, careless driving and endangering life.
He was released on bail and reappeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in March.
News Corp reports this Police will allege Ms Hoskins jumped onto the bonnet of the car and grabbed a door handle before driving the vehicle, causing her to fall to the ground.
It is then alleged that she may have been dragged by the vehicle.
A few teenage neighbors attempted to administer first aid before paramedics arrived.
Mr Dennis (left) has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, careless driving and endangering life
Police allege Ms Hoskins jumped onto the hood of the car and grabbed a door handle before the vehicle was driven, causing her to fall to the ground
A host of sporting organizations and fellow cyclists have paid tribute following Ms Hoskins' tragic death.
Among them is the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), which Ms Hoskins represented at the 2012 and 2016 Games.
“The AOC has expressed its utmost sadness at the loss of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins following the tragic events in Adelaide,” reads a message on X.
“Our condolences go out to Melissa's family, friends and the cycling community at this extremely difficult time.”
Marne Fechner, CEO of AusCycling, the national governing body for the sport in Australia, labeled Ms Hoskins' death a “tragic incident”.
“Melissa, a mother, daughter and wife, was also a champion cyclist who thrilled and inspired us with her outstanding skills on the track and on the road,” Ms Fechner said in a statement.
'Melissa started her cycling career at the age of 16, and by the time she retired at the age of 25, she had shown the world that she was an athlete of rare talent.
'Melissa described her team pursuit gold medal at the 2015 UCI Track World Championships as the highlight of her career, but for the rest of us the highlight was just being there.'
Retired track cyclist Anna Meares, who has also been named chef de mission of the Australian Olympic team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, posted a message of condolence on her social media channels.
“I have a very heavy heart,” Ms. Meares said in a message to X.
'My thoughts are with their children, family and friends.
'This is a very difficult and tragic time. REST IN PEACE'
Ms Hoskins' former team, GreenEDGE, which has since been renamed Jayco-AlUla, similarly expressed sadness at the news.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends and the entire cycling community at this deeply saddened time,” a statement from the team said.
“She will never be forgotten.”
Ms Hoskins married Mr Dennis in 2018 and the couple have two children together
Ms Hoskins, originally from Perth, married Mr Dennis in 2018. The couple has two children.
In addition to her Olympic achievements, Ms Hoskins also won gold in the women's team pursuit at the 2015 World Championships. She retired from professional cycling in 2017.
Mr. Dennis was a podium finisher at the 2013 and 2020 Olympic Games, a two-time world champion and a stage winner in the 2015 Tour de France.
He only retired from professional cycling at the end of 2023.