Duncan Sheik, an acclaimed singer-songwriter who rose to fame with his 1996 hit song “Barely Breathing” and later found success on Broadway, has died, his family announced on Friday. He was 56.
The cause of death was cardiac arrest, his mother, Suzanne Sheik, told the New York Times.
In a post on his Instagram page, Shiek’s family said he “passed away last night surrounded by love.”
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Duncan Sheik,” the statement read. “The world has a lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater. From his Grammy-nominated hit ‘Barely Breathing’ to his groundbreaking, Tony and Grammy Award-winning work on Spring Awakening, Duncan’s artistry touched many and leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.”
“Duncan was a father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his sensitivity, wit, intelligence, and depth of spirit he brought to those who knew and loved him,” it added. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from his fans, friends, collaborators, and the artistic community. His musical legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
In a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday, Sheik’s family said that he was “currently receiving medical care and remains in critical but stable condition.”
“Out of respect for Duncan and our family, we will not be sharing further medical details at this time,” the statement added. “We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time and will provide updates when appropriate. Thank you for the continued love and support.”
On Sept. 6, Sheik posted a photo of himself in the hospital.
Born on Nov. 18, 1969, in Montclair, N.J., Sheik learned to play the piano at an early age from his Juilliard-trained grandmother, later switching to guitar and playing in hard rock cover bands.
After graduating from Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., in 1988, he attended Brown University, where he studied semiotics, practiced Buddhism and met with Lisa Loeb, a fellow singer-songwriter whose 1994 song “Stay” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Sheik graduated from Brown in 1992 and moved to Los Angeles.
In 1996, Sheik released his self-titled debut album, which featured his Grammy-nominated hit single, “Barely Breathing.” The song peaked at no. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for 55 consecutive weeks.
Sheik’s subsequent albums, including the Nick Drake-influenced Phantom Moon(2001), were well received by critics but did not have the same commercial success.
In 2006, Sheik and fellow Buddhist Steven Sater cowrote the score for the Broadway musical Spring Awakening,which earned him two Tony Awards and his lone Grammy.
He went on to compose music for numerous theater productions, including American Psycho, The Secret Life of Bees and Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, which is set to open off-Broadway next week.
An off-Broadway revival of Spring Awakening is scheduled to open this fall.
After Sheik’s death was announced, Sater quoted lyrics from “Those You’ve Known,” a song from the musical, in a post on Instagram.
Sheik is survived by his wife, Nora Ariffin, and their 7-year-old daughter, Ines.
