Tributes paid after Duncan Sheik dies, age 56: “This one hurts and does not seem real”

Duncan Sheik, the Tony Award-winning composer of the hit Broadway musical Spring Awakening , has died aged 56.

Sheik died of organ failure at a hospital in Manhattan on Thursday night (September 17), which followed his family putting out a statement earlier this week saying the composer was “receiving medical care” and was in “critical but stable condition”.

In a follow-up post shared on Friday (September 18), his family wrote: “The world has 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.

“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.” About a year before Barely Breathing was released and about 18 months before Duncan Sheik hit it big, we had one of the more debauched weekends that people can have.

It was a once in a lifetime thing.

You couldn't try to duplicate the fun or the craziness or just the random stuff… pic.twitter.com/2hNX5C79XL — Enty (@entylawyer) September 19, 2026 View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram Sheik had been working on the new musical Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen , which is slated to begin preview performances next Friday (September 25) at new Off-Broadway venue, The Night Egg at the Culture Club.

A revival of Spring Awakening , which won Sheik two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations as well as a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, is also set to open Off-Broadway in the coming months.

Sheik co-wrote the score for the musical with Steven Sater.

It’s original Broadway ryn starred Jonathan Groff, John Gallagher, Jr. and Lea Michele – who took to Instagram to pay tribute to Sheik.

“I met Duncan when I was 14 years old,” the Glee star wrote alongside a photo of them together shared on her Instagram story.