Music world in mourning: Renowned musician killed in road accident at 56
The musician, actor, and founder of the Irish folk-rock band The Frames was killed early this morning in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident. He is survived by his wife and a 4-year-old son. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
The music world is in mourning following the death of Irish musician and actor Glen Hansard. According to reports, Hansard was killed early Wednesday in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident in County Dublin at the age of 56. He is survived by his wife, poet Myra Saritsa, and their 4-year-old son.
Irish police stated that Hansard received medical attention at the scene, but his death was pronounced shortly thereafter. Traffic investigators have begun examining the circumstances of the crash, and authorities are collecting footage and witness statements from the area.
His management released an obituary:
"With a broken heart, we announce the death of Glen Hansard, who passed away in the early hours of the morning following a road accident in Dublin."
His family members are said to be "shocked and heartbroken" and have requested privacy. Representatives added that no further details will be provided at this stage while the investigation remains ongoing.
Hansard began his career as a busker before founding the folk-rock band The Frames, which became a staple of the Irish indie scene. Alongside his musical success, he gained cinematic recognition in the cult film "The Commitments" (1991), but his major international breakthrough came with the independent film "Once" (2007). He starred alongside Markéta Irglová, with whom he wrote and performed the song "Falling Slowly"—a global hit that earned them an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008.
The Oscar win catapulted him to international fame, and stage adaptations of the musical "Once" earned him and Irglová a Grammy Award (2013) and a Laurence Olivier Award (2014). Over his career, he released six studio albums with The Frames, three albums as part of the duo The Swell Season, five solo albums, and a recent double live album, "Don't Settle: Transmissions East."
