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Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard dies at 56 following a motorcycle crash in Dublin

Glen Hansard, the Oscar-winning Irish musician and actor, died at the age of 56 following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan, on the western outskirts of Dublin. The 56-year-old, who gained international fame for his role in the 1991 film The Commitments and his Academy Award-winning song "Falling Slowly" from the film Once, was pronounced dead shortly after being treated at the scene of the accident. His management, ATC Management, confirmed the death and noted that his family was deeply shocked. Hansard was a prominent figure in the Irish music scene, known for his work with the rock band The Frames, the duo The Swell Season, and as a solo artist. Beyond his music, he was widely recognized for his commitment to social justice and his work in raising money for the homeless. Tributes have poured in from global music icons including Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and Ed Sheeran. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly expressed their sadness, while a book of condolence has been opened at the Mansion House in Dublin.

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