Glen Hansard, the Oscar-winning Irish musician and activist who won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly” in 2007, has died following a motorcycle crash in Dublin
Oscar-winning Irish musician and activist Glen Hansard has tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday.
Hansard, 56, fronted the celebrated Irish band The Frames, appeared in the iconic Irish film The Commitments, and claimed the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly” in 2007, which he co-wrote alongside Markéta Irglová for the film Once.
His agents, ATC Management, released a statement to broadcaster RTÉ, saying: “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.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin took to social media to pay tribute, writing: “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard. A talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years.
“My sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and fans. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
One half of rock duo The Swell Season, Hansard also forged a successful solo career, releasing albums including Didn’t He Ramble, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album in 2016. For many years, he spearheaded the Christmas Eve charity busking session outside The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin’s city centre, drawing crowds eager to watch renowned Irish musicians raise funds for the Dublin Simon Community.
His activism extended to campaigning against Ireland’s housing crisis, joining a demonstration marking three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and participating in the anti-austerity water charge protests back in 2014.
During The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan’s funeral service in 2023, Hansard delivered a moving rendition of Fairytale Of New York alongside Irish vocalist Lisa O’Neill, sparking spontaneous dancing amongst mourners in the Co Tipperary church.
He leaves behind a three-year-old boy, Christy.
Gardaí confirmed that a man in his 50s lost his life in a single-vehicle motorcycle collision in Lucan on the fringes of Dublin before 4.30am on Wednesday.
The man, whose identity they did not disclose, received treatment at the scene but was declared dead shortly afterwards.
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