Glen Hansard, Oscar-winning musician behind ‘Falling Slowly’, dead at 56 after early morning motorcycle crash

An Oscar-winning Irish singer-songwriter tragically died in a motorcycle crash at the age of 56 on Wednesday morning.

Glen Hansard, who starred in and won the Oscar for Best Original Song for the indie film “Once,” was killed in a single-vehicle crash in County Dublin just before 4:30 a.m., according to the Irish Times.

Hansard’s management issued a statement confirming his death.

Glen Hansard died in a single-vehicle crash in County Dublin just before 4:30 a.m., according to the Irish Times. Redferns Police officers at the scene of Hansard’s fatal motorcycle accident on July 29, 2026. ZUMAPRESS.com A “Danger Slow” sign seen near where Hansard crashed. ZUMAPRESS.com

“With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning,” the statement read.

“We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time.”

Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin mourned Hansard’s sudden death, calling him “a talented musician and actor who made ⁠a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years.”

Tributes to Hansard seen on the wall of Temple Bar in Dublin. ZUMAPRESS.com A fan leaving flowers at a memorial to Hansard outside of Temple Bar. ZUMAPRESS.com

Hansard, a married father of one, began his career busking on the streets of his native Dublin before finding success with influential Irish band The Frames in 1990, who released six studio albums between 1991 and 2006.

He was one half of folk duo The Swell Season with “Once” co-star Marketa Irglova, who starred beside him in the 2007 film that features their music.

Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin remembered Hansard as “a talented musician and actor who made ⁠a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years.” Getty Images

The low-budget romantic musical was shot on camcorders and follows a street musician falling in love with a young Czech immigrant. 

Their duet “Falling Slowly” won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

“Once” also became a successful Broadway production, notching eight Tony Awards in 2012.

Hansard performing in the band The Frames in London in 2001. Redferns Hansard also acted in the 1991 film “The Commitments.” ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

The hit movie was his main acting credit — but he also appeared as a band member in Alan Parker’s 1991 musical comedy drama “The Commitments” and as a guard in the 2021 film “Cyrano.”

Irish police confirmed that a man in his 50s had died after a motorcycle collision ⁠in the west of Dublin. He was pronounced dead shortly after being treated at the scene.

With Post wires