Glen Hansard has unexpectedly passed away. The 56-year-old Oscar-winning composer was best known for starring in John Carney’s Once. Hansard also co-wrote and co-performed the song “Falling Slowly.”

The BBC reported on Hansard’s untimely passing, revealing that he died following a motorbike crash that occurred in Dublin this morning. According to the report, the police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which was reported to emergency services early in the morning.

Hansard’s representatives at ATC Management confirmed the news in a statement to the media. The statement also added, “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.”

Several collaborators of Hansard also wrote statements as tributes to the Irish composer. Andrew Strong, who starred in The Commitments with Hansard, wrote on Facebook that his passing was a “senseless, tragic loss.”

Hansard started his music career by forming his band, the Frames, in 1990. Following that, he starred in 1991’s The Commitments. Hansard later released several solo albums, including ones from his rock duo, The Swell Season. In 2007, he won the Best Original Song award at the Oscars for “Falling Slowly”, which was featured in Once. Hansard also won an award at the 55th Grammy Awards the following year for the same. In 2016, his solo album Didn’t He Ramble was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album.

Irish actor Chris O’Dowd also posted a tribute on Instagram, writing, “Anyone who makes use of music knows the feeling of being taken away. He did that. And he leaves it with us.” Other people who paid tribute to his passing include Wayboys singer Mike Scott, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Irish President Catherine Connolly, and more.

Hansard is survived by his wife Maire and their son Christy.

ComingSoon sends condolences to Hansard’s friends and family at this time.