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Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard has died after a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan, County Dublin, his management confirmed. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday and is now the subject of an active Garda investigation.
Crash and ongoing probe
Emergency services were called to the R109 Lower Road at Strawberry Beds shortly before 4:30am on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, after a collision involving a motorcycle between Tinkers Hill (R121) and Rugged Lane. Gardaí say the rider, described as a man in his 50s, was treated at the scene but pronounced deceased a short time later.
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The scene has been preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, and local traffic diversions remain in place. An Garda Síochána is appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward and for road users with relevant camera footage, including dash-cam, to make it available to investigating Gardaí.
ATC Management, which represents Hansard, said he died following a road traffic accident in Dublin. The statement asked for privacy for the family, thanked the emergency services who attended the scene, and said no further comment would be made while the Garda investigation continues.
Public reaction
Broadcaster Ryan Tubridy paid tribute, saying the country has lost “one of the greats.” He described Hansard as an extraordinary singer and storyteller, and noted the singer’s longstanding concern for homelessness and social issues in Ireland.
Others also expressed shock and sympathy for the family and fans. Management asked for respect for the family’s privacy at this difficult time.
Life and legacy
Glen Hansard was best known as the frontman of the Irish band The Frames and for his role in the film Once. He shared the Academy Award for the song “Falling Slowly”, a work that helped bring him international recognition.
He is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa. The couple married around 2022 and have a son, Christy, who was born in October 2022.
Gardaí continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local station. More to follow.
