Oscar-winning Irish musician Glen Hansard dies in motorcycle crash in Dublin

Oscar-winning Irish musician and activist Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday.Hansard, 56, was the frontman for the Irish band The Frames, featured in the Irish film The Commitments, and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly” in 2007, which he co-wrote with Markéta Irglová for the movie Once.In a statement to broadcaster RTÉ, his agents ATC management said: “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 Hansard died in a motorcycle crash on Lower Road, Strawberry Beds, Lucan (Niall Carson/PA)PA Wire“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 said in a post on social media: “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.”Hansard was one half of the rock duo The Swell Season, and released solo albums including Didn’t He Ramble, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2016.For years, he led the Christmas Eve charity busk outside The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin city, where members of the public gathered to see famous Irish musicians perform in aid of the Dublin Simon Community.Hansard took part in the annual Christmas Eve busk outside the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, in aid of homeless charity, the Simon Community (Evan Treacy/PA)PA ArchiveHe also took part in protests against Ireland’s housing crisis, a march to mark three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the anti-austerity water charge protests in 2014.Read MoreAt the funeral of The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan in 2023, Hansard performed Fairytale Of New York with Irish singer Lisa O’Neill, which prompted dancing in the aisles of the Co Tipperary church.He is the father of a three-year-old boy, Christy.Irish police said a man in his 50s died in single vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan on the outskirts of the Irish capital before 4.30am on Wednesday.The man, who they did not name, was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.