Oscar-winning Irish musician Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday. The 56-year-old was the frontman for the Irish band The Frames, featured in the Irish film The Commitments, and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly" in 2007, which he co-wrote with Markéta Irglová for the movie Once.
Family's statement
In a statement to broadcaster RTÉ, his agents ATC management confirmed the heartbreaking news. A statement 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."
Career and activism
Glen Hansard was one half of the rock duo The Swell Season, and 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 Co Tipperary church.
Family
He is the dad of a three-year-old boy, Christy.
Police investigation
Irish police said a man in his 50s died in a single vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan on the outskirts of the Irish capital before 4.30am on Wednesday. The man, who they did not name, was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.
