Glen Hansard, the beloved Irish musician and actor who won an Academy Award for the hit song “Falling Slowly,” died Wednesday in an early-morning motorcycle crash in Dublin. He was 56.
Hansard was killed in a single-vehicle crash near the Strawberry Beds area of Lucan in west Dublin shortly before 4:30 a.m. on July 29.
Irish police said a motorcyclist in his 50s received emergency treatment at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later. Authorities initially did not publicly identify the victim.
The crash site was closed while forensic collision investigators examined the area. Police also appealed for witnesses and anyone who may have captured the motorcycle on dashcam footage to come forward.
Hansard’s representatives at ATC Management later confirmed his death in a heartbreaking statement.
“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,” the management company said.
“Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.”
His family also thanked the emergency personnel who responded to the crash and expressed gratitude for the messages of support they had already received.
Hansard’s remarkable career began on the streets of Dublin after he left school at just 13 years old and started earning money as a busker.
He formed the alternative rock group The Frames in 1990, eventually releasing six studio albums and becoming one of Ireland’s most respected musicians.
Hansard also appeared in the acclaimed 1991 movie “The Commitments,” playing guitarist Outspan Foster in the story of a struggling Dublin soul band.
His international breakthrough came with the low-budget 2007 musical drama “Once,” in which he starred alongside Czech musician Markéta Irglová.
Hansard and Irglová performed and co-wrote the movie’s emotional signature song, “Falling Slowly.” The track won the Academy Award for best original song at the 2008 Oscars, turning the independent Irish film into a global sensation.
The pair also performed together as the folk-rock duo The Swell Season.
“Once” was later adapted into a Broadway musical that won eight Tony Awards, including best musical. Its cast recording also won the Grammy Award for best musical theater album.
Hansard launched his solo recording career with the 2012 album “Rhythm and Repose.” His 2015 follow-up, “Didn’t He Ramble,” earned a Grammy nomination for best folk album.
Over the years, he performed and collaborated with major musicians including Eddie Vedder, Bono and Bruce Springsteen. He was also known for using his platform to support social causes, particularly efforts addressing homelessness.
News of Hansard’s sudden death sparked an outpouring of grief across Ireland and throughout the international music community.
Irish leaders were among those paying tribute to the musician and praising his enormous contribution to Irish music, culture and public life.
Hansard is survived by his wife, poet Maire Saaritsa, and their young son, Christy.