Duncan Sheik has died aged 56 (Picture: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic) Duncan Sheik, the American songwriter who also composed Spring Awakening, has died aged 56. His mother confirmed that his cause of death was organ failure in a statement, hours after he was hospitalised. He had received medical attention yesterday but was said to be in ‘a critical but stable condition’ at the time. The Grammy Award winner was due to open a new off-Broadway musical, titled Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, in a matter of days. ‘It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Duncan Sheik,’ a spokesperson for Sheik told People. ‘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.’ He was hospitalised the day before his death (Picture: Cover Images) They continued: ‘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. ‘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. Duncan passed away last night surrounded by love.’ Sheik rose to chart success in 1996 with his debut single Barely Breathing, which landed him a Grammy nod for best male pop vocal performance. While he released more music over the years – including a 2022 album titled Claptrap – it was his work in theatre that defined his career. In 2006, Sheik wrote the music for the musical Spring Awakening, which was critically acclaimed when it hit Broadway that fall. He, alongside collaborator Steven Sater, won two Tony Awards for best original score and best musical, plus a Grammy for best musical show. Spring Awakening’s original Broadway run secured eight Tonys, with its cast including Glee stars Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele in the leading roles. By coincidence, five years later, his hit song Barely Breathing was performed on Glee by Darren Criss and Corey Monteith in the episode The Break Up. A revival of Spring Awakening has been rumoured for several years after a reunion documentary film released in 2022 renewed interest in the coming-of-age story. Sheik was also behind the musical adaptation of American Psycho, which again got a Broadway run in 2016. Spring Awakening was a Grammy and Tony winning success (Picture: Dave Allocca/StarPix) Tributes have flooded in for the star, including from musical director Benjamin Rauhala who penned: ‘We were so lucky to share this earth and this time with him, and the beautiful way he expressed human yearning and melancholy. We will miss you always, friend!’ Hocus Pocus actress Vinessa Shaw wrote: ‘I’m so sad to hear this. He was a kind person, good friend, and a great artist! Sending Ds to his family and all who loved him! 🙏’ Canadian Idol star Steffi DiDomenicantonio, who made her stage debut in Spring Awakening, said: ‘Rest in peace Duncan. Spring Awakening changed my life. Thank you ♥️.’ Theatre star Isabel Keating added: ‘Heartbroken to hear this, what a beautiful human, I am better for having known him, all love and deepest condolences to his dear family 💔💔💔💔💔 and all of his many friends and colleagues … my heart … RIP.’