Oscar-winning Irish musician and activist Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday. He was 56.
Hansard was the frontman of The Frames, featured in the film The Commitments, and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2007 for “Falling Slowly,” co-written with Markéta Irglová for the movie Once.
Statement from management
In a statement to broadcaster RTÉ, his agents ATC management said: “With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard who passed away, in the early hours of this morning, following a road traffic accident in Dublin.
“Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.
“The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.
“As this matter remains the subject of an active Garda investigation, no further comment will be made at this time.”
Political tribute
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in a social media post: “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard.
“A talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years.
“My sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and fans.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Career highlights
Hansard was one half of the rock duo The Swell Season. He released solo albums including Didn’t He Ramble, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2016.
For years, he led the Christmas Eve charity busk outside The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin city, where members of the public gathered to see famous Irish musicians perform in aid of the Dublin Simon Community.
He also took part in protests against Ireland’s housing crisis, a march to mark three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the anti-austerity water charge protests in 2014.
At the funeral of The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan in 2023, Hansard performed Fairytale Of New York with Irish singer Lisa O’Neill, which prompted dancing in the aisles of the church in County Tipperary.
He is the father of a three-year-old boy, Christy.
Crash details
Irish police said a man in his 50s died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan on the outskirts of Dublin before 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The man, who they did not name, was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.
