An Oscar-winning Irish singer-songwriter tragically died in a motorcycle crash at the age of 56 on Wednesday morning.
Glen Hansard, who won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008 for the indie film “Once” and was lead singer for rock group The Frames, was killed in a single-vehicle crash in County Dublin just before 4:30 a.m., according to the Irish Times.
Hansard’s management issued a statement confirming his death.
Glen Hansard died in a single-vehicle crash in County Dublin just before 4:30 a.m., according to the Irish Times. Redferns
“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.”
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin mourned Hansard’s sudden 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 busking on the streets of his native Dublin before finding success with influential Irish band The Frames in 1990.
He was one half of folk duo “The Swell Season” with “Once” co-star Marketa Irglova, who also won an Oscar for the film that features their music.
The low-budget romantic musical was shot on camcorders and follows a street musician falling in love with a young Czech immigrant.
Their duet “Falling Slowly” won the Oscar for Best Original Song.
With Post Wires
