Glen Hansard dies in motorcycle crash in Lucan
The Irish musician, known for The Frames and the Oscar‑winning song “Falling Slowly”, was 56 when he died before 4.30 am on Wednesday.
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Glen Hansard was riding a motorcycle in Lucan, on the edge of the Irish capital, when the crash occurred in the early hours of Wednesday. Emergency services reached the scene quickly, provided treatment and confirmed his death a short time later.
Career and musical impact
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Hansard formed the Dublin band The Frames in the early 1990s and later gained worldwide notice for his role in the film Once. He shared an Oscar for best original song with Markéta Irglová for “Falling Slowly”. Over the years he released solo albums such as Didn’t He Ramble and performed with The Swell Season.
Beyond recordings, Hansard was known for street performances. He began an annual Christmas Eve busk outside the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin to raise money for the Simon Community homeless charity, a tradition that ran for more than fifteen years.
Tributes from fellow artists
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"we have lost one of the greats"
Bob Geldof, musician
Bob Geldof told The Standard that Hansard was wonderful and that the universe lacks mercy or justice for such a talented man to be killed on an early Irish morning. He said the loss was a terrible calamity for family, music and Ireland.
Bruce Springsteen posted on Instagram that he was heartbroken and remembered Hansard as always positive, smiling and ready to sing. Ed Sheeran said on his Instagram story that he was heartbroken to hear the news and praised Hansard as an incredible human and force.
Bono described Hansard as an angelic presence and a smiling rascal, adding that the rest of us were blessed to stand beside our very own and very earthed Angel Gabriel. The tributes also came from U2’s frontman and from the Irish President Catherine Connolly, who called him one of Ireland’s great singer‑songwriters.
Statements from Irish leaders
Taoiseach Micheál Martin wrote on social media that Hansard was a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years. Deputy premier Simon Harris expressed his condolences and noted Hansard’s international success across a long and varied career.
ATC management, Hansard’s publicists, announced his passing with broken hearts and said his family is deeply shocked and heartbroken. They asked for privacy and thanked the emergency services who attended the scene.
Family and legacy
Hansard is survived by his wife, the Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and their three‑year‑old son Christy. His music, activism and street performances will continue to be remembered by fans and fellow artists worldwide.
Questions this report answers
+How did Glen Hansard die?
Glen Hansard died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan before 4.30 am on Wednesday. Emergency services attended the scene, provided treatment and confirmed his death shortly afterwards.
+What did other musicians say about Glen Hansard?
Bob Geldof called Hansard one of the greats and said the loss was a terrible calamity for family, music and Ireland. Bruce Springsteen remembered him as always positive and smiling, while Ed Sheeran praised him as an incredible human and force.
+Who is Glen Hansard survived by?
Glen Hansard is survived by his wife, the Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and their three-year-old son Christy. His family is deeply shocked and heartbroken following his sudden death.
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