Irish singer Glen Hansard dies in motorcycle accident at age 56

Published Aug 3, 02:01 PM UTC

Irish musician Glen Hansard, best known as the frontman of The Frames and for winning an Oscar for the song 'Falling Slowly' from the film 'Once', died in a motorcycle accident on a country road near Dublin at age 56. Hours before his death, he had been playing at a local pub session at Wren's Nest. Hansard was a defining voice in Irish music, having grown up in Ballymun and taught himself guitar. He also acted in films including 'The Commitments' and 'Cyrano'. Beyond music, he was a prominent activist for homeless causes, organizing annual Christmas Eve street music events that raised over two million euros and co-leading the occupation of Apollo House in 2016. He is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and their young son. His funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin was streamed live. Condolences poured in from figures including Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, and Irish political leaders.

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