Oscar winning Irish musician Glen Hansard dies at 56 in motorcycle crash
Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, known for his Oscar-winning work in the film 'Once', has died at age 56 following a motorcycle accident in Dublin. Tributes have poured in for the musician, who was also recognized for his advocacy regarding homelessness.
Why it matters
Hansard was a significant figure in the Irish music scene and independent film, making his sudden death a notable cultural loss.
Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who won an Academy Award for the 2007 film Once , died in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin early Wednesday, his management said. He was 56.
ATC Management told broadcaster RTE Hansard's family was "deeply shocked and heartbroken” by his death.
Irish police said a man in his 50s died in single vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan on the western 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.
Hansard combined acting and a musical career. He played a member of a Dublin soul band in the hit 1991 movie The Commitments and won an Oscar in 2008 for the song Falling Slowly from the indie musical Once , in which he starred alongside Markéta Irglová.
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