Oscar-winning songwriter Glen Hansard killed in crash

Oscar-winning Irish musician Glen Hansard has died in a motorbike crash in Dublin.

Hansard, 56, was the frontman for rock group The Frames and also featured in The Commitments.

He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly in 2008 which he wrote for the low-budget film Once.

Hansard was born in Dublin in 1970 and busked on its streets before landing the role of Outspan Foster in The Commitments.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the single-vehicle crash, which happened on Lower Road in Lucan, west of Dublin.

It was reported to the emergency services shortly before 04:30 local time.

Hansard was also one half of the rock duo The Swell Season, and released solo albums including Didn’t He Ramble, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2016.

He was the father of a three-year-old boy.

In 2002, Hansard became the original presenter of Irish broadcaster RTÉ’s acclaimed music series Other Voices.

His charity work has included Dublin’s annual Christmas Eve charity busk in support of the Dublin Simon Community.

The busk, which Hansard started in 2010, attracted several high-profile musicians each year including Bono, Sinéad O’Connor, Imelda May and Shane MacGowan.

In a statement, the Dublin Simon Community said it was “devastated” to learn of his death, and offered condolences to his friends and family.

“While known to many as a genius songwriter and storyteller, for us, he was threefold that, in his generosity, a true advocate for our work and a giant in the fight against homelessness,” it continued.

“He had deep respect and empathy for those navigating the challenges of homelessness and his natural warmth and compassion always shone through in those moments.

“Glen’s talents will indeed be his legacy but so too will his commitment to social justice. We will be forever indebted to him for the difference he made in the lives of the people we serve.”

Hansard starred opposite Czech musician Markéta Irglová in 2007’s Once.

The pair played two musicians who meet in Dublin and form a creative partnership, performing songs they write together as The Swell Season.

The film won the World Cinema Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

A Broadway adaptation of the film, featuring Hansard and Irglová’s songs, later won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

In a statement, ATC Management, which represented Hansard, said: “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.

“Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.

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

Waterboys singer Mike Scott tweeted, external: “Travel on well, Buddy. You made your dreams come true.

“I’m so sorry that he leaves his wife and 3-year-old child.”

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin tweeted that he was “deeply saddened, external to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard.

He described him as a “talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years.

“My sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and fans.”