A Public Statement from Rohan Dennis
Rohan Dennis, a former professional cyclist, has publicly spoken for the first time about the tragic death of his wife, Melissa Hoskins. He revealed that he and his children have faced ongoing harassment and stalking by the media since the incident.
Melissa Hoskins passed away in December 2023 after being struck by a car driven by Dennis. He later pleaded guilty to an aggravated charge of creating a likelihood of harm. In May 2025, he received a suspended sentence and was banned from driving for five years. During the sentencing, District Court Judge Ian Press stated that Dennis was not criminally responsible for causing her death.
The court previously heard that the couple had a disagreement over home renovations before Dennis got into his car on the night of the incident to leave their house so they could both calm down. The court also heard that Melissa jumped on the bonnet of Dennis’s car in an attempt to stop him from leaving during an argument. Dennis continued driving down the lane for approximately 75 metres.
Judge Press emphasized during sentencing that Dennis had an obligation to stop the vehicle when it became dangerous to Melissa’s physical wellbeing. He noted that Dennis did not stop because he wanted to leave, which he described as a very poor reason.
In a public post on social media on Monday night, Dennis stated that the death of his late wife “was an accident” and that he “loved Melissa and the last thing I ever wanted was to hurt her.” He added, “Never in my life has any physical aggression crossed my mind in any disagreement with Melissa.”
Dennis criticized the media narrative, claiming it aimed to portray him as the husband who abused his wife. “I have always been against any sort of abuse against women and especially the one who gave birth to my children,” he said.
He highlighted what he called a “false narrative which the media created” for clicks. Dennis shared an experience at the airport the day after Melissa’s funeral, where he felt the media’s actions were inappropriate. “The thing which I and others vividly remember that were said to me in front of my two-year-old daughter are disgusting,” he said. He expressed frustration that while the media spoke about the children and how saddened they were, they also stalked and harassed the family, including the kids.
This is the first time Dennis has spoken publicly about his wife’s death, aside from an apology letter that was read out in court.
Recent Social Media Activity and Interaction with ABC News
Dennis recently posted on social media a photo of a car with the caption “what an absolute weapon.” Although the car was not the same one involved in the incident with his late wife, Victims Rights Commissioner Sarah Quick found the post “deeply offensive.”
At the time, ABC News reached out to Dennis with questions regarding the post, but he did not respond. A week later, Dennis privately messaged the ABC on multiple occasions, forwarding videos that criticized the organization.
“Absolute disgrace and your whole organisation needs to be shut down, cleaned out and held accountable for all the lies and misinformation you put out,” he said. His messages reflected strong disapproval of the media’s coverage and its impact on his family.
Ongoing Challenges and Emotional Struggles
Dennis has faced significant emotional challenges following the loss of his wife. He has spoken about the difficulty of navigating public scrutiny and the impact it has had on his children. His statements reflect a deep sense of grief and a desire to clear his name from the accusations that have been made.
The media’s role in shaping public perception has been a central theme in his recent comments. Dennis feels that the narrative surrounding his case has been misleading and harmful, particularly given the personal nature of the tragedy.
As he continues to deal with the aftermath of this devastating event, Dennis remains focused on protecting his children and ensuring that their well-being is prioritized. His public statements serve as a reminder of the complex emotions and challenges that come with such a traumatic experience.
