ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Oscar-winning songwriter Glen Hansard killed in crash

other · 2026-07-29

Glen Hansard, the acclaimed Irish musician and lead singer of The Frames, tragically passed away in a motorbike accident in Dublin. The 56-year-old was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Lower Road in Lucan, west of Dublin, with emergency services alerted shortly before 04:30 local time. Authorities are seeking witnesses to the incident. In 2007, Hansard earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly," which he co-wrote for the film Once. Born in Dublin in 1970, he started his career busking and later portrayed Outspan Foster in The Commitments. He was also a member of The Swell Season and released solo albums, including the Grammy-nominated Didn't He Ramble in 2016. He is survived by a three-year-old son. His management, ATC Management, has confirmed his passing and requested privacy for the family.

Key facts

  • Glen Hansard died in a motorbike crash in Dublin.
  • The crash occurred on Lower Road in Lucan, west of Dublin.
  • It was reported to emergency services shortly before 04:30 local time.
  • Hansard was 56 years old.
  • He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly in 2007.
  • He was the frontman of The Frames and featured in The Commitments.
  • He was part of The Swell Season and released solo albums.
  • His album Didn't He Ramble was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2016.

Entities

Artists

  • Glen Hansard

Institutions

  • The Frames
  • The Commitments
  • The Swell Season
  • ATC Management
  • Academy Awards
  • Grammy Awards

Locations

  • Dublin
  • Ireland
  • Lucan
  • Lower Road

Sources