Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has passed away aged 56 in a horror crash just outside of Dublin, leaving behind his wife and young son. Glen, best known for his work in the 2007 film Once, was killed in a motorcycle crash in Chapelizod, just outside of Dublin, around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Authorities stated that they were called to the scene and treated a man for his injuries, but pronounced him dead shortly thereafter.
Glen’s management issued a statement confirming his death. “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.
“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.”
“As this matter remains the subject of an active (police) investigation, no further comment will be made at this time,” the statement concluded.
Back to the beginning
© RedfernsBorn in 1970 in Ballymun, Dublin, into a family of six siblings, Glen left school at just 13 to pursue his dream of becoming a musician and began busking on the streets. He then formed his band The Frames in 1990, and would go on to release six studio albums with the group.
Making it big with Markéta
In 2006, the musician collaborated with Czech singer-songwriter Markéta Irglová and formed the folk duo The Swell Season. Together, the pair starred in the 2007 Irish film Once, for which they wrote several original songs, including “Falling Slowly”.
© WireImage for Sundance Film FestThe tune won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 and was nominated for a Grammy Award. The film was then adapted into a Broadway show in 2012 and went on to win eight Tony Awards. Glen also released five solo albums, including 2012’s Rhythm and Repose, and recorded a song for The Hunger Games soundtrack.
A life well-lived
The father of one had just completed a tour with The Frames before his death and performed solo at the Trinity Sessions in Trinity College, Dublin, on July 2. He is survived by his wife, Maire Saaritsa, and their three-year-old son, Christy. Glen opened up about becoming a father in an interview with The Irish Times, revealing that he was “loving it”.
© WireImage“For 52 years I was the most important person in my own life, and then suddenly I got a complete perspective shift, and I’m absolutely loving it,” he said. “To be of service to this young mind, to this young life, is just…I can’t believe I didn’t do it before now.”
Tributes pour in
Tributes have poured in for Glen in the wake of his death, with U2 frontman Bono writing on social media: “He was such an angelic presence…not otherworldly…in fact, very present this presence…A smiling rascal if you needed him to be…this most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymun…no airs, plenty of graces…May you rest in the peace you gave to so many.”
© PA Images via Getty ImagesBruce Springsteen also shared a tribute on Instagram, writing: “Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Glen Hansard. We met in Ireland many years ago, and he was always nothing but a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man. Always positive, smiling and ready to sing. God bless him and his loved ones.”
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin shared that he was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard,” adding: “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.”
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