Glen Hansard, the songwriter known for winning the Academy Award for best song for the 2007 film Once, has died in a crash. He was 56.
Hansard was widely recognized for his songwriting and storytelling, and early tributes reflected the breadth of his influence. Alongside praise for his music, those remembering him also highlighted the way he supported other people and causes.
One tribute described Hansard as a generous figure and a strong backer of their work, suggesting his impact reached far beyond his career as a performer and writer. The same message also pointed to his role in efforts connected to homelessness, underlining a public legacy that included advocacy as well as art.
While only limited details were available in the initial report, the news marks a significant loss for fans of Once and for many who admired Hansard's creative work and wider social commitment.