Oscar-winning songwriter Glen Hansard dies in crash
Glen Hansard, an Oscar-winning Irish musician, was killed in a motorcycle crash in Dublin.
The 56-year-old, who rose to fame with his role in the 1991 musical comedy film The Commitments, was the long-time leader of the acclaimed rock band The Frames.
Ed Sheeran and Bruce Springsteen, who described himself as “heartbroken,” have expressed tributes across the music industry.
Hansard has a long and successful career in music, including winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 alongside Marketa Irglova for their work on the low-budget musical romance Once.
He and Irglova released three albums as The Swell Season, while Hansard has experienced success as a solo singer, with his 2016 album Didn’t He Ramble being nominated for a Grammy in 2016.
The single-vehicle incident occurred on Lower Road in Lucan, west of Dublin, and was reported to emergency services just before 04:30 local time.
Police personnel were at the scene of the deadly crash in Dublin. Two of the cops are on motorcycles, and a Garda car is also visible, as well as two blue Garda signs.
The crash occurred during the early hours of Wednesday.
ATC Management, the musician’s representative, said in a statement that his family was “deeply shocked and heartbroken”.
“The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.”
Hansard, the father of a three-year-old kid, has also been praised by organizations for his work in generating funds for the homeless.
In 2010, he launched an annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin City Centre, which drew high-profile musicians such as Bono, Sinéad O’Connor, and Shane McGowan.
Glen’s death has left a “devastated” Simon Community, a nonprofit in the UK and Ireland that aids homeless people.
The foundation recognizes Glen’s ability and devotion to social justice. We shall be eternally grateful to him for the difference he made in the lives of those we serve.”
According to Hansard’s friend, artist Colin Davidson, the annual Christmas Eve busk has become “an international Irish institution in its own right”.
He claimed it was “Glen’s way of getting him and his friends to, not just shine a light on the problem of homelessness, but to actually do something about it financially”.
In an interview with BBC’s Evening Extra, Davidson expressed his grief over his friend’s loss, describing him as “unique” and “incredibly kind, loyal, and warm.”
Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran Pays their Tributes
Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to Hansard in an Instagram post, writing, “Here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Glen Hansard.”
Springsteen stated that he met Hansard in Ireland “many years ago, and he was always nothing but a great musician, a good friend, and a generous and gracious man”.
“Always upbeat, smiling, and eager to sing. May God bless him and his loved ones.
Springsteen and Hansard performed a duet of “Drive All Night” at a concert in Kilkenny in 2013.
Ed Sheeran says he was devastated to learn the news.
“He was such an incredible human, and an incredible force,” he said on Instagram.
“I am grateful for the times we shared, sending so much love to his family.”