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Glen Hansard, Irish musician who won Oscar for 'Once,' dies in motorcycle crash
🇺🇸 United States /Culture & Society

Glen Hansard, Irish musician who won Oscar for 'Once,' dies in motorcycle crash

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, an Oscar winner for the song "Falling Slowly" from the film "Once," has died in a motorcycle crash.
  • Hansard, 56, was involved in a single-vehicle accident on the outskirts of Dublin early Wednesday.
  • Tributes poured in from fellow musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, and Irish officials, who remembered him as a "great musician" and a "vital driving influence" on the Irish music scene.

Glen Hansard, the acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter and Oscar winner, has died at the age of 56 following a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin early Wednesday. His management confirmed the tragic news, stating his family is "deeply shocked and heartbroken."

heartbroken

— Bruce SpringsteenDescribing his reaction to the news of Glen Hansard's death.

Hansard, best known for co-writing and performing "Falling Slowly" from the 2007 indie film "Once," which earned him an Academy Award in 2008, was a significant figure in the Irish music world. The film, a love story about two struggling musicians, was later adapted into a Broadway musical that won eight Tony Awards. Hansard was also the long-serving frontman for the rock band The Frames and half of the duo The Swell Season with Markéta Irglová.

a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man.

— Bruce SpringsteenRemembering Glen Hansard.

News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the music community. Bruce Springsteen expressed his heartbreak on Instagram, calling Hansard "a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man." Irish President Catherine Connolly described him as "one of Ireland's great singer-songwriters" and a "vital driving influence" who brought people together through live music. Actor-comedian Chris O'Dowd noted Hansard's "energizing melodies and soulful, searching voice" made difficult times more manageable and joyful times more beautiful.

Glen was one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world, bringing people together in the sharing of live music.

— President Catherine ConnollyPaying tribute to Glen Hansard's impact on Irish music.

Hansard began his career as a busker on the streets of Dublin and was known for his involvement in charitable events, including the Christmas Eve busk for a homelessness charity. He is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and their young son, Christy.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or experienced his work.

— President Catherine ConnollyReflecting on the loss of Glen Hansard.
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Originally published by PBS NewsHour. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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