Irish Academy Award-winning singer Glen Hansard has died.

He was 56.

Hansard died after a motorcycle crash in the early hours of  Wednesday on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland.

His management confirmed his death after he was involved in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash near Lucan, west of the Irish capital. Authorities treated him at the scene, but he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

Hansard was born in 1970, and before gaining fame, he performed as a street musician in Dublin.

He later formed the Irish rock band The Frames in 1990 and went on to co-found the folk duo The Swell Season with Irglová. He also released several solo albums during his career and appeared in the 1991 musical film The Commitments.

In 2007, his breakthrough came with the musical drama Once, alongside Czech singer Markéta Irglová. He won the Oscar with Markéta Irglová for Best Original Song, Falling Slowly, in 2008.

Hansard was also known for his humanitarian work, including organising an annual Christmas Eve busking event in Dublin to raise money for charities that support homeless people.

Hansard is survived by his wife, Maire Saaritsa, and their son.