Glen Hansard, the Irish musician and frontman of the band the Frames, died Wednesday in a motorcycle accident in Dublin. He was 56. The incident occurred shortly before 4:30 a.m. in the Lucan area west of the city, according to an official statement from Irish police, who sought witnesses to the crash. Authorities described the victim as a motorcyclist in his 50s who was pronounced dead at the scene. Hansard’s management confirmed his passing on Wednesday.

Hansard rose to international prominence as a singer-songwriter and actor known for his distinctive voice and heartfelt performances. He began his career as a street busker in Dublin before founding the Frames in 1990. The band achieved widespread acclaim in Ireland, releasing multiple successful albums over the years.

He reached a broader global audience through his role in the 2007 film *Once*, which depicted the story of an Irish street musician and a Czech pianist. Hansard and his co-star Marketa Irglova won the 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly," which featured prominently in the film. The movie, directed by former bandmate John Carney, was later adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

Hansard also appeared in the 1991 film *The Commitments*, which showcased a group of working-class Irish youths forming a soul band. His role as guitarist Outspan Foster marked his acting debut, though he remained primarily focused on music throughout his career.

Born on April 21, 1970, in Dublin, Hansard grew up in a working-class family and began playing guitar after an uncle left his instrument behind when imprisoned. Influenced by artists such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Van Morrison, he left school to pursue music full time.

In addition to his musical career, Hansard was an advocate for homelessness awareness and regularly participated in an annual Christmas Eve busking event in Dublin that raised funds to support at-risk individuals. He had recently released two albums this year and was scheduled for a European tour in the coming months.

Hansard is survived by his wife, Maire Saaritsa; their son, Christy; and three brothers. He was also known for his collaboration with Irglova as the folk duo the Swell Season, a project that followed their work on *Once*. Ireland’s taoiseach, Micheál Martin, paid tribute to Hansard, acknowledging his significant contribution to the country’s cultural life.