Irish singer-songwriter and Academy Award winner Glen Hansard has died at the age of 56 following a motorcycle crash near Dublin.
His management team, ATC Management, confirmed news of his death in a statement on behalf of the Hansard family, saying they are “deeply shocked and heartbroken.”
“We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time,” the company added.
Hansard was involved in a single-vehicle motorcycle collision early Wednesday morning on the outskirts of the Irish capital. Emergency responders attended to the musician at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
It remains unclear exactly what led to the crash, but authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Hansard is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, whom he married in late 2022, and their young son, Christy.
With a career spanning over three decades, Hansard rose to prominence in 1990 as the frontman of the Irish rock band The Frames. Together, the group released several albums, with four earning spots on the top 10 Irish Album Charts.
“Glen was one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world, bringing people together in the sharing of live music,” Ireland President Catherine Connolly said of the singer. “He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or experienced his work.”
Hansard gained international recognition through the 2007 independent film “Once,” in which he starred alongside Czech musician Marketa Irglova.
The pair were also part of the rock duo dubbed The Swell Season and received the Academy Award in 2008 for Best Original Song for their duet “Falling Slowly,” which was featured in the film.
Following the film’s success, the pair continued performing together, and Hansard also expanded his solo career. He released five solo studio albums and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album for “Didn’t He Ramble” in 2016.
Hansard’s most popular solo recordings include “Love Don’t Leave Me Waiting,” “Philander,” “Winning Streak,” “Her Mercy,” and “Roll On Slow.”
“Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Glen Hansard,” wrote rock musician Bruce Springsteen in a social media tribute.
“We met in Ireland many years ago and he was always nothing but a great musician, a good friend, and a generous and gracious man. Always positive, smiling, and ready to sing. God bless him and his loved ones.”
Before “Once,” he also appeared in the 1991 BAFTA-winning musical film “The Commitments,” introducing audiences to a performer who would bring emotionally charged songwriting, distinctive vocals, and deeply personal performances.
