Grammy-Nominated Singer Duncan Sheik Dies at 56

American singer-songwriter and composer Duncan Sheik, best known for his 1996 hit Barely Breathing and the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Spring Awakening, has died at the age of 56.

Sheik died on Thursday, September 17, in Manhattan, according to his family. His mother, Suzanne Sheik, confirmed his death to The New York Times. Reports have described the cause as cardiac arrest following heart failure, while some reports have cited organ failure.

His family announced the death on social media on Friday, describing Sheik as a father, husband, son, brother and friend and saying he died surrounded by loved ones. The statement praised his contribution to music and theatre.

Sheik rose to prominence with his self-titled debut album in 1996. Its lead single, Barely Breathing, became his signature song, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining on the chart for 55 weeks. The song also earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

A decade later, Sheik moved into musical theatre and achieved another major breakthrough with Spring Awakening, collaborating with playwright and lyricist Steven Sater. The musical opened on Broadway in 2006 and went on to win eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Sheik won Tonys for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, and the show’s cast recording later earned a Grammy.

The success established Sheik as an important figure in contemporary musical theatre. He subsequently worked on productions including American Psycho, Alice by Heart and The Secret Life of Bees.

Sheik had continued working until shortly before his death. His new musical, Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, was scheduled to begin Off-Broadway performances later in September, while a revival of Spring Awakening was also planned for New York.

His death has prompted tributes from members of the Spring Awakening cast and the wider Broadway community, including Lea Michele, Skylar Astin and Steven Sater.

Sheik is survived by his wife, Nora Ariffin, their daughter, Ines, his parents and siblings, according to reports.