Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard dies in Dublin motorbike crash

Oscar-winning musician and actor Glen Hansard has died at the age of 56 after a motorcycle crash in County Dublin. Hansard, who gained fame for his role in the 1991 film "The Commitments" and his extensive music career, was involved in a single-vehicle collision just before 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The incident took place on Lower Road in the Strawberry Beds area of Lucan. Gardaí (Irish police) stated that the motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, received treatment at the scene but was pronounced deceased shortly afterward. The scene has been preserved for forensic examination, and local traffic diversions were in place.

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With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard who passed away, in the early hours of this morning, following a road-traffic accident in Dublin.

Hansard's management confirmed his death in a statement, expressing deep shock and heartbreak. "With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard who passed away, in the early hours of this morning, following a road-traffic accident in Dublin," the statement read. His family requested privacy during this difficult time and expressed gratitude for the support received.

Born in Ballymun, north Dublin, Hansard began performing in his teenage years. He fronted the band The Frames, later formed the duo Swell Season with Markéta Irglová, and also pursued a successful solo career. He achieved international recognition when he won an Academy Award in 2008 for "Falling Slowly," the song he co-wrote with Irglová for the film "Once." He was a married father of one, splitting his time between Ireland and Helsinki, where his wife, poet Maire Saaritsa, is from.

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The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.