Irish musician Glen Hansard passes away

Los Angeles [US], July 30 : Oscar-winning singer Glen Hansard has passed away at the age of 56.
Hansard died on Wednesday in a motorcycle crash in Dublin. Hansard's demise was announced by his management company in a statement, as per Deadline.
"With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Glen Hansard, who passed away in the early hours of this morning, following a road traffic accident in Dublin," the statement read. "Glen's family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time. The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene," the statement.
Born and raised in Dublin, Hansard began his career busking on the streets of the Irish capital before forming rock band The Frames in 1990. Hansard was also one half of rock duo The Swell Season alongside his Once co-star Marketa Irglova.
The musical romance drama Once tells the story of an Irish busker, a Czech immigrant and their eventful week in Dublin as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story. The pair's duet "Falling Slowly" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The film was adapted into a hit Broadway musical, which won eight Tony Awards in 2012, including Best Musical, Best Actor and Best Book.
Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin mourned the demise of Hansard.
Martin said he was "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Hansard." He described Hansard as "a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland's cultural landscape over many years."