Glen Hansard dies at 56 in motorcycle crash in Dublin

DUBLIN, Ireland — Glen Hansard, the Oscar-winning Irish singer-songwriter best known for “Falling Slowly” from the film Once, has died at the age of 56 following a motorcycle crash in Dublin, his management confirmed Wednesday.

According to Irish police, the crash occurred at around 4:30 a.m. local time in Dublin. Hansard, who was riding a motorcycle, died at the scene following the single-vehicle collision. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses as the investigation continues.

Hansard won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for “Falling Slowly,” which he co-wrote and performed with Markéta Irglová for the acclaimed film Once. He was also the longtime frontman of the Irish band The Frames and one half of the folk duo The Swell Season.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin led tributes to Hansard, praising his lasting contribution to Ireland’s music and cultural heritage.