Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, best known as frontman of the rock band the Frames and star of the 2007 musical film Once, has died aged 56 following a motorcycle accident. Hansard won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly" from Once, and his death has been described by his management and family as a sudden, tragic loss that has shocked the music community.

According to his management company, ATC Management, emergency services were called to the scene of a collision on Wednesday and attempted to save Hansard, but he died from his injuries. His family confirmed the news in an Instagram post, asking for privacy at what they called an extremely difficult time, while thanking the emergency responders involved. The news comes just a month after Hansard released the second volume of his project Don't Settle – Transmissions East & West, with fans and fellow musicians paying tribute to him online as a "humble" and influential songwriter.