Glen Hansard dead at 56 following motorcycle crash in Dublin

Glen Hansard has died following a motorcycle crash in Dublin, Ireland. The Frames frontman and Academy Award-winning songwriter was 56. Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a collision involving a motorcycle on the R109 Lower Road, between Tinkers Hill and Rugged Lane, The Irish Times reported.

The statement reads: “The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, was treated at the scene but was pronounced deceased a short time later. The scene has been preserved for examination by Garda forensic collision investigators. Local traffic diversions are currently in place.”

A statement from Hansard’s management has since confirmed the passing. The statement reads: “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. As this matter remains the subject of an active Garda investigation, no further comment will be made at this time.”

Hansard had won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the 2007 film, Once. Hansard also released two albums this year, Don’t Settle Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. His last studio album saw him reunite with Marketa Irglova for Forward, an album by The Swell Season released in 2025.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash at Strawberry Beds to come forward. Road users who may have camera footage – including dashcam – and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda station at (01) 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. The crash was reported to the emergency services shortly before 04:30 local time.