Irish Artist Glen Hansard Killed in Crash

Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 56.

The Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter was a fixture of Ireland's live music scene throughout his career, with the musician passing away after a single-vehicle collision.

"With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning," read a statement posted to Hansard's social media accounts. "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."

Born in Dublin on April 21, 1970, Hansard grew up in a troubled family but found solace in music. Dropping out of school, he formed the Frames in 1990, released seven albums with the band, and influenced a generation of musicians.

Hansard and fellow muso Markéta Irglová formed the folk duo The Swell Season, whose popularity exploded after the two starred in the 2007 romantic drama Once, about two struggling musicians in Dublin. Hansard and Irglová took home the Oscar for Best Original Song, and the duo released four albums together.

As a solo artist, Hansard released five albums, with his most recent being 2023's All That Was East Is West of Me Now.

Hansard would regularly busk in the street and was known to be very charitable, starting the annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin City Centre in 2010, which often attracted high-profile musicians including Bono, Sinéad O'Connor and Shane McGowan.

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A host of figures in the entertainment world have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes about Hansard.

"Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Glen Hansard," Bruce Springsteen posted. "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."

Andrew Strong, who starred in The Commitments with Hansard, posted on Facebook: "I'm devastated to hear the sad news Glen Hansard has passed away. It’s a truly senseless, tragic loss. My condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who loved his music."

Warren Ellis of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Grinderman and Dirty Three posted on Instagram: "I Can’t believe it Glen. You were a good man and loyal friend. Traveling overnight to see dirty three in Boston recently.And even though i put you and your band on the guest list you paid without me knowing. Always above and beyond. And always about the music the blah blah the dogs and the meaning of it all. Sending my love to your family and band mates and friends . Heartbreaking."

Actor Rachel Zegler, who performed with Hansard, posted a series of photos of the two alongside the caption: "oh i will love you forever. rest now, my friend."

Hansard is survived by his wife, poet Maire Saaritsa, and his young son Christy.