Eyewitness of Glen Hansard's harrowing motorcycle crash issues stern warning

Hannah Furnell, Ellie Hook Sat, August 8, 2026 at 8:11 AM UTC

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Glen's funeral took place on August 4 (Image: Getty Images)

The eyewitness who discovered Glen Hansard on the roadside following his fatal motorcycle crash has issued a firm public warning.

The beloved Irish music icon passed away at the age of 56 after a single-vehicle crash near Strawberry Beds in Chapelizod, Dublin, on July 29. Gardaí, Ireland's national police and security service, confirmed they were alerted to the incident on the R109 near Rugged Lane shortly before 4:30 a.m. Hansard received treatment at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.

In a statement to Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ, Hansard's family described themselves as "deeply shocked and heartbroken" by his passing. It follows Parez Hilton's harrowing TikTok live stream that left him hospitalized.

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They have since received support from the individual who was present with Hansard in his final moments, as speculation surrounding the circumstances of his death continues to circulate.

Raymond O'Connor, the bystander who came upon Hansard's crash, has taken to social media to make clear he has reached his limit. While coming to terms with the tragedy, he has also been forced to contend with persistent media attention.

Glen was a big Irish musician (Image: Getty Images)

In a Facebook post, he wrote, "I have found some closure to a terrible tragedy and that's what it is a tragic accident." He issued a pointed warning, "People need to now let the man rest and let his family grieve.

"I was contacted this morning about selling my story, let it be clear there is no story to be sold so no one contact me as I won't be replying thats why I am writing this."

He opened his message by writing, "So I think I need to write this as some way of putting this to bed so I can move on. I passed by the very spot at the exact time this morning heading to work where flowers are now lying where I came across a person in need of help this day last week.

"I didn't know this man personally, he was a husband, a Father, a brother, an uncle, a person, a human. And at that moment in the darkness of early morning I had no idea it was Glen.

The eyewitness who saw the crash has spoken out (Image: Getty)

"I did what anyone else would have done for someone in trouble, just like I would hope someone would do for me if I was in trouble. I have for the last few days tried to get on with things but have thought a lot about that morning and have struggled a bit but I am grand and will be ok in time, thinking of his poor wife, child and family at this sad time.

"I would like to thank his family especially Caroline for allowing me attend the funeral mass yesterday also a massive thanks to John Carney, Glens good friend that made me feel so welcome.

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"After battling with the could haves and what ifs I have now excepted that I done all I could have possibly done on that morning. Sending love and light to his family, may he rest in peace."

The comments section was quickly flooded with an outpouring of admiration and support from fans, with one user writing, "You were there, mate, when somebody, a stranger, needed you most. That's the most important thing in life, pal [heart emoji]. To be there for each other in the good times and the bad [heart emoji]."

A second person commented, "Fair Play, you did all you could do, and you were there for him. That's all anyone could ask for, and I'd say his loved ones take comfort knowing that. I'd imagine it's hard to move on from, but glad you have found some clarity. RIP Glen."

A third added, "You were the hero he needed that morning, and for whatever reason, you were placed there at that difficult time. It is extremely sad and tragic. Take the time you need to process this, but you did all you could."

Investigators suspect The Frames frontman lost control of his motorcycle after striking a soft roadside shoulder while traveling home. Sources informed The Irish Mirror that authorities believe the 56-year-old suffered catastrophic injuries when his motorbike overturned after he lost control during the early morning hours on July 29.

An insider revealed to the publication, "He did not collide with a tree or anything like that. The belief is that the bike hit a soft verge on the road, and that made him lose control of the vehicle. It then flipped over."

Hansard's wife, Maire Saaritsa, delivered a heartfelt tribute and poem honoring her late husband at his funeral service on August 4. The Finnish poet, who wed the singer in 2022, spoke to mourners gathered at St Patrick's Cathedral.

Police shut off the roads (Image: collinsphotos.com)

Saaritsa opened by thanking the Gardaí "for coming to Glen's aid after the accident and for the humanity they showed me in my most desperate hour."

She continued, "I can find no adjective for the kind of support the family has been shown this past week. The word is hidden somewhere in the look in people's eyes and in the depth of their good deeds. None of this could have been done without you.

"Most of whom I've not even met yet. I owe my deepest gratitude to all our good friends who have spared no effort to guide me through this time.

"As Glen's wife, I want to thank him for the life we shared, searching for truth and beauty side by side. We found it in our son, Christy. He cannot be here today, he is too young to witness or understand an event of such scale. The bright spirit he inherited from his father is with us."

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”