Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in western Dublin early Wednesday morning, according to reports. He was 56 years old.
Hansard was reportedly en route home after attending a traditional Irish music session at The Wren’s Nest pub, where he was a regular. The pub posted a statement on Facebook expressing deep sadness over his death, remembering him for his "incredible talent, generosity and the joy he brought to so many."
The musician departed the pub shortly before the crash, which occurred less than two miles away. As it was a single-vehicle incident, a criminal investigation will not be launched, but police will conduct a probe to determine the cause of the accident for a coroner’s inquest. A post-mortem examination, including toxicology tests, is scheduled.
Hansard, a Dublin native, began his music career busking on the city streets before forming the influential rock band The Frames in 1990. He achieved international acclaim for his role in the 2007 film "Once," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song with co-star Markéta Irglová for their duet "Falling Slowly." The film also inspired a successful Broadway production.
Hansard, who split his time between Ireland and Finland, was married to poet Maire Saaritsa, and the couple had a young son born in 2022. His management confirmed his passing in a statement Wednesday, asking for privacy for his family and friends during this difficult time.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin paid tribute to Hansard, calling him "a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years."