Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died following a fatal motorcycle collision in Dublin.
The musician, aged 56, was killed after a single-vehicle crash on the R109 near Rugged Lane in Lucan, close to Strawberry Beds, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Glen Hansard. Adam McCullough, Shutterstock
Gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 4.30am.
The motorcyclist was treated by emergency services but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
The road remains closed between the R121 (Tinkers Hill) and Rugged Lane as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carry out an examination.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who was travelling in the area at the time to come forward.
They are also asking anyone with relevant camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, to contact investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station on (01) 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Glen Hansard. Ben Houdijk, Shutterstock.
Born in Dublin in 1970, Glen Hansard became one of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians, with a career that saw him achieve success both at home and internationally.
He first rose to prominence as the lead singer and guitarist with The Frames, the Dublin band he formed in the early 1990s.
Listen here.
Glen Hansard. Christian Bertrand Shutterstock
The Frames became one of Ireland’s most influential alternative rock acts, earning a loyal fanbase through their emotional lyrics, energetic live shows and albums including Fitzcarraldo, For the Birds and The Cost.
Hansard later reached an even wider audience through the 2007 film Once, in which he starred alongside musician Markéta Irglová.
The Dublin-set musical drama told the story of two musicians who meet and form a creative connection through their shared love of songwriting.
Its soundtrack became a worldwide success, with the song Falling Slowly winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008.
Following the success of Once, Hansard and Irglová continued their musical partnership as The Swell Season, releasing albums and touring internationally.
Glen Hansard. Rene Oonk, Shutterstock
Hansard went on to release a number of acclaimed solo records, including Rhythm and Repose, Didn't He Ramble and This Wild Willing, while also continuing his work with The Frames.
Throughout his career, he was praised for his powerful live performances, distinctive voice and deeply personal songwriting.
Just this past week, he had released the second volume of his "Don't Settle" solo project which he was planning to tour in Ireland and Europe in the next few months.
He is survived by partner Maire and his son Christy who was born in October 2022.
