Letter written by Rohan Dennis to late wife Melissa Hoskins emerges post-sentencing

A letter penned by Rohan Dennis to his late wife has emerged after he was spared prison time for the crash that killed her.

Dennis has received a suspended jail sentence over a road incident that led to the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins.

Dennis, 34, appeared in South Australia’s District Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to a charge of committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm.

Judge Ian Press told Dennis that describing the consequences of the events of December 30, 2023 as tragic “really does not do justice to the grief, the anguish and the turmoil those events have brought into the lives of those who knew and loved your wife”.

Now, a letter written by Dennis after his wife’s death, but before his sentencing, has emerged.

Read the full letter below

“Dear Mel,” the letter begins.

“Thank you for everything, for the children, for life and for the memories you left us with. These will last forever.

“You may be physically gone but you will forever be with the kids and I. Not just in the pictures throughout the house, but in our hearts and our thoughts.

“You are irreplaceable as a mother to Oliver and Madeleine, but I will always raise them in the same way as if you were still here by my side.

“Physically you aren’t here, but I notice little things that help guide me when I’m lost that I know you have played a part in.

“The kids are happy, so damn smart and cheeky, all in one. I know how proud you would be of them both and I’ll forever tell them that, even when they’re just in bed hugging their bunnies.

“I’m so sorry for what happened. I’m so sorry the children don’t have you. I’m sorry our families don’t have you post op, as I said to your mum just after this happened.

“Not a second goes by in the day where I don’t wish it was me instead and the only thing that I’m ok with is that I’m the one suffering in this situation, and it’s not you. I don’t think I have to say this because it’s so obvious.

“Everyone misses you so much, but everyone has stepped up to help to fill the void of you not being here as best they can.

“We really did create the best village for our family over the years we spent together.

“You will forever be the glue that holds us together.

“I will always live my life with a piece of my heart missing.

“It is, and always will be yours, no matter what.”

Hoskins, 32, was struck by his vehicle near their home at Medindie, in Adelaide’s inner north. She suffered serious injuries and died in Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Outside court on Wednesday, Hoskins’ father Peter said it was time for the family to move on “which would be Melissa’s expectation of us”.

“We want to continue to be an integral part of her children’s lives and their future. How we do this in a meaningful way and a relevant way will take time,” he said.

“With respect to Rohan, as hard as it’s going to be, it’s important that we have a well-mannered relationship with him. (The children) deserve this. They have done nothing wrong.”

His voice breaking, Peter said “we miss Melissa terribly”.

The family had not yet received an apology from Dennis, “but I’m sure that will come in time”, he said.