'Words cannot convey our grief': Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins' family breaks silence after her death

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA: The devastated family of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins has paid tribute to the 32-year-old former world champion who died on being struck by a car in Adelaide on Saturday, December 31. The Australian Olympic Committee made the tragic announcement the following day and her husband, former Olympian and world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis, was arrested and charged in relation to her death.

“Words cannot convey our grief, sadness and the tragic circumstances of Hoskins' passing,” the statement by Hoskins' parents and sister read, as per CNN. “Myself, Amanda, Jess and families are utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened," the statement added.

“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,” the statement continued.

Melissa Hoskins was the 'rock' of her loved ones lives

They added that Hoskins was the “rock” of her loved ones lives and they “need to honor her memory” so her children “grow up knowing who she was, what she stood for and what she gave to everyone whose life she touched.”

Melissa Hoskins' family was 'overwhelmed' by 'the outpouring of sadness and support'

“In her short life Melissa has had so many positive touch points in and around the world,” they continued before stating that her funeral would be held in her hometown, Perth, while her memorial service will be in Adelaide "after the Tour Down Under," an upcoming cycling race that will take place between January 16 to 20. 

“We now need to deal with our grief privately and will be making no further comments,” the statement read, adding “We ask that media please respect our privacy and that of Melissa’s children.”

Rohan Dennis was reportedly driving dangerously 'without due care'

On Sunday, December 31, Australian broadcaster ABC reported that Hoskins' husband, 33, had been charged in relation to her death. 

In a press release, the SA Police said that a 32-year-old woman who "suffered serious injuries," died overnight in Royal Adelaide Hospital as the 33-year-old driver, who was "known to the woman", was "arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life" after an investigation.

"He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 13 March," the release added.

Dennis and Hoskins married in 2018. They were both retired Olympians, who shared two children. His last Instagram post prior to Hoskins' death was a family photo he shared on December 24. "Merry Christmas from our family to yours,” he captioned a photo of the family of four posed in front of a decorated tree.