Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Olympic Cyclist Rohan Dennis Explains Absence of CPR for Wife Melissa Hoskins After Fatal Adelaide Incident
Australian Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis has publicly addressed his decision not to administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to his wife, Melissa Hoskins, following a tragic incident outside their Adelaide residence in December 2023. Hoskins suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle driven by Dennis.
Dennis has entered a guilty plea to a charge of aggravated act endangering life, though he is not criminally culpable for Hoskins’ passing.
Details from his police interview on December 31, 2023, have emerged as he awaits his sentencing hearing scheduled for May 14.
Account of Events Leading to Tragedy
During the police interview, Dennis provided a detailed account of the events leading up to Hoskins’ death outside their Menindie home.
He revealed that an argument regarding home renovations preceded the incident, stating that ‘tensions escalated’. Dennis recounted seeing Hoskins jump onto the car bonnet after she exited the vehicle amidst their dispute, before falling and being hit.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
“I heard a thump and observed in my rearview mirror that she was on the ground,” Dennis stated to police, according to the interview transcript obtained by News Corp.
Dennis’s Actions Following the Incident
“I continuously spoke to her to try and maintain her consciousness,” Dennis explained.
“I stopped the vehicle as rapidly as possible and rushed back to her location.”
He continued, “She was groaning, exhibiting signs of significant pain. I questioned her about feeling in her legs and her overall condition, to which she responded affirmatively with nods.”
“I realised she had sustained a head injury, but upon attempting to move her, I suspected potential rib fractures or similar injuries, indicated by blood emanating from her mouth. This led me to believe breathing was compromised,” Dennis added.
Reason for Not Performing CPR
The 34-year-old former Olympian informed police about his decision against administering CPR, citing a lack of training and concern about potentially exacerbating her injuries. He opted to wait for paramedics to arrive.
“When paramedics arrived, she was still conscious and breathing,” he noted.
Hoskins subsequently died at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Legal Proceedings and Family Statements
Charges of causing death by dangerous driving and aggravated driving without due care have been withdrawn. Dennis is not accused of directly causing his wife’s death.
The South Australian District Court was informed that Dennis estimated his vehicle’s speed to be approximately 20km/h at the time of the event.
Closed-circuit television footage reportedly showed Hoskins on the vehicle’s bonnet for roughly six seconds before falling.
Victim Impact Statements
In a victim impact statement, Hoskins’ father, Peter, expressed his inability to forgive Dennis.
“Melissa did not deserve to die, particularly in the manner she did,” he conveyed to the court.
“Forgiveness for the abandonment of spousal and parental duties on December 30 is difficult, considering the profound loss inflicted on my family,” he added.
Hoskins’ mother, Amanda, offered a contrasting perspective, stating her belief that Dennis did not intentionally harm her daughter.
“Melissa was the most positive influence in your life, Rohan. You loved Melissa, and I believe you never meant to cause her harm,” Amanda stated to the court.
“I believe this was a tragic accident that should have been avoided.”
“Your temper is a weakness that requires attention,” she concluded.
Prosecutor Tali Costi informed the court that while Dennis is not criminally responsible for Hoskins’ death, he acted ‘recklessly aware of her holding onto the vehicle’.
Melissa Hoskins’s Cycling Career
Melissa Hoskins represented Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games in team pursuit cycling. She was a member of the Australian team that secured the 2015 world title in the same discipline.
Rohan Dennis’s Cycling Achievements and Retirement
Rohan Dennis’s cycling accolades include two world titles in the individual time trial and a silver medal in team pursuit at the London 2012 Olympics. He also earned a bronze medal in the individual time trial in Tokyo.
Dennis retired from professional cycling at the conclusion of the 2023 season.