Glen Hansard Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Dublin
DUBLIN, Ireland—Academy Award-winning musician Glen Hansard, 56, died early Wednesday in a motorcycle crash in Lucan, authorities said.
The incident occurred before 4:30 a.m. when Hansard, riding a motorcycle, was involved in a single-vehicle accident. Emergency services arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Irish police have not confirmed the identity of the deceased but stated that they are seeking witnesses to the crash.
Hansard, a prominent figure in the Irish music scene, gained fame as the frontman for the band The Frames and was a member of the duo The Swell Season. He won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008 for “Falling Slowly” from the film Once, which he co-wrote and starred in.
He was known for his charitable efforts, notably organizing a Christmas Eve charity event for the Dublin Simon Community.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed his sorrow on social media, describing Hansard as “a talented musician and actor” who made significant contributions to Ireland’s cultural landscape.
Hansard is survived by his wife and a young son. The Dublin Simon Community released a statement honoring his legacy as a generous artist and advocate for homelessness.