Gardaí believe Glen Hansard suffered catastrophic injuries when his motorcycle overturned after leaving the road near Strawberry Beds in Lucan, Dublin, in the early hours of Wednesday. The 56-year-old Oscar-winning musician's death has sent shockwaves through the music industry.
According to Dublin Live, investigators believe the bike hit a soft verge on the road, causing Hansard to lose control. A source said: “He did not collide with a tree or anything like that. The belief is at this stage that the bike hit a soft verge on the road and that made him lose control of the vehicle. It then flipped over.”
Specialist investigation under way
A specialist Gardaí investigation is now under way, with members of the force's Forensic Collision Investigators (FCIs) leading the probe. Forensic experts are examining the scene and gathering evidence to determine exactly what happened in the moments before the bike left the road.
Four-hour gap
Gardaí have established that the Frames frontman spent part of Tuesday evening at the Wren's Nest pub in the area before leaving when it closed at its usual weekday time of 11.30pm. Shortly after news of his death emerged, footage surfaced showing Hansard taking part in a music session at the popular pub earlier that evening.
Investigators are now focusing on a four-hour gap between Hansard leaving the venue and the fatal crash. Officers are working to establish where the singer-songwriter had been during those missing hours and retrace his movements. Sources say officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen Hansard or his motorcycle during that period to come forward.
Witness appeal
A Gardaí spokesperson told the Mirror: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a fatal single-vehicle collision on Lower Road, Strawberry Beds, Lucan, Dublin on Wednesday 29th July 2026. Shortly before 4:30am, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a collision involving a motor cycle on the R109 Lower Road, between Tinkers Hill (R121) and Rugged Lane. The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, was treated at the scene but was pronounced deceased a short time later. The road has since been reopened. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. Road users who may have relevant camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station at (01) 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Funeral arrangements
A spokesperson for the Hansard family confirmed that a public wake will be held for the late singer in the Baroque Chapel at IMMA, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, on Monday, August 4 between 11am and 4pm. He will lie in repose for those wishing to pay their respects. His funeral will then take place on Tuesday, August 4 at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin city centre at 1.30pm.
