Night motorcycle accident: Irish musician and Oscar winner Glen Hansard is dead

Irish musician and Academy Award winner Glen Hansard has died at the age of 56. His management confirmed the tragic news to multiple media outlets, including the Irish Times and RTÉ, stating, "With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Glen Hansard." The statement added, "Glen's family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss."

Irish police confirmed that a man, aged between 50 and 60, died at the scene of a motorcycle accident despite rescue efforts. The emergency services received the call shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The accident involved only the man's motorcycle and no other vehicles.

Hansard, born in Dublin, gained international recognition when he and Markéta Irglová won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008 for "Falling Slowly" from the film "Once." He also played the lead role in the movie as a street musician, a path that mirrored his own early career.

RTÉ described Hansard as "one of Ireland's most celebrated and influential musicians." He was also known for his work with the rock band "The Frames" in the 1990s and had a notable acting role in the 1991 film "The Commitments." In recent years, he focused on his solo career, releasing his latest album, "Don't Settle (Transmissions East)," this year.

According to PA News Agency, Hansard is survived by a three-year-old son. He recently made a memorable appearance at the funeral of his compatriot Shane MacGowan, performing "Fairytale of New York" with singer Lisa O'Neill. The performance, filmed in a rural Irish church, gained global attention.

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With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Glen Hansard. Glen's family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss.