DUBLIN — Glen Hansard, the acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter and Oscar winner, died in a motorcycle crash in Lucan early Wednesday, according to authorities. He was 56 years old.
The crash occurred before 4:30 a.m. when Hansard lost control of his motorcycle. Irish police reported he was treated at the scene but pronounced dead shortly thereafter. His family expressed deep shock and heartbreak over the incident.
Hansard was renowned for his role in the film “Once,” for which he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. He was also the frontman of the band The Frames and part of the duo The Swell Season. His earlier work included acting in the 1991 film “The Commitments.”
In addition to his music career, Hansard was known for his charity efforts, such as the Christmas Eve busk outside Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, benefiting the Dublin Simon Community. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed his condolences, noting Hansard’s significant contributions to Ireland’s cultural landscape.
Police are investigating the crash, and additional details will be made public as they become available.