Gardaí believe beloved musician Glen Hansard lost control of his motorbike after it struck a soft roadside verge as he travelled home, causing the vehicle to flip over.
The 56-year-old, who shot to fame in the 1991 film The Commitments and was the long-time frontman of rock band The Frames, sustained catastrophic injuries in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Crash near Strawberry Beds in Lucan
The accident happened near Strawberry Beds in Lucan, west Dublin, at approximately 4.30am. “He did not collide with a tree or anything like that,” a source told The Irish Mirror. “The belief is that the bike hit a soft verge on the road, and that made him lose control of the vehicle. It then flipped over.”
News of the cherished musician’s death emerged at around 9am on Wednesday, leaving the country in shock. Specialist Gardaí are now leading an investigation into the accident.
Four-hour gap under scrutiny
Gardaí have confirmed Mr Hansard left the Wren’s Nest pub at its usual weekday closing time of 11.30pm. Video footage emerged after his death showing him enjoying a session at the pub during the early part of the evening.
Because the accident took place at around 4.30am, there is a four-hour window between his departure from the pub and the collision. Investigators are trying to establish his movements during that time.
One avenue of investigation indicates he may have stopped at a hotel in the west Dublin area before planning to journey to his Celbridge home in Co Kildare. Officers are also expected to identify anyone who interacted with him after he left the Wren’s Nest.
Forensic collision investigators involved
The Garda team includes Forensic Collision Investigators (FCIs), extensively trained and experienced accident investigators. They are expected to spend several weeks carrying out a comprehensive examination, likely producing a forensic report spanning hundreds of pages.
No criminal investigation has been initiated into Mr Hansard’s death, with the focus on compiling documentation for the coroner and forthcoming inquest. Gardaí have also issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward.
