Oscar-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash in County Dublin early Wednesday morning. He was 56.
Hansard's management confirmed his death in a statement. "With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning," the statement read. "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 crash occurred just before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to The Irish Times.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin mourned Hansard's death, calling him "a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years."
Hansard, a married father of one, began his career as a busker in Dublin before forming the rock group The Frames in 1990. He was also known for his work with folk duo The Swell Season, alongside Marketa Irglova.
He and Irglova won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for "Falling Slowly," from the indie film "Once." The low-budget musical, which starred Hansard and Irglova, followed the story of a street musician and an immigrant pianist who fall in love through music. The film was shot on camcorders and featured music performed by Hansard and Irglova.