# Duncan Sheik Dies at 56

> Music legend Duncan Sheik, known for 'Barely Breathing' and 'Spring Awakening', dies at 56.
- Title: Duncan Sheik Dies at 56 · Variety | Shortify
- Summary: Music legend Duncan Sheik, known for 'Barely Breathing' and 'Spring Awakening', dies at 56. Duncan Sheik, the composer of 'Spring Awakening' and hitmaker of…
- Keywords: duncan sheik, spring awakening, barely breathing, tony award, music, obituary, entertainment, culture, Duncan, Sheik, Dies, Variety
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/music/obituaries-people-news/duncan-sheik-dead-spring-awakening-barely-breathing-1236866792
- Author: Chris Willman
- Published: 2026-09-18T14:43:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: duncan sheik, spring awakening, barely breathing, tony award, music, obituary, entertainment, culture
## Duncan Sheik
Duncan Sheik, the composer of 'Spring Awakening', died at 56.
## Hitmaker
He had a pop hit with 'Barely Breathing' in the mid-1990s.
## Tony Wins
He won multiple Tonys for 'Spring Awakening'.
## Cardiac Arrest
Sheik died after cardiac arrest in a Manhattan hospital.
## Critical Condition
He was previously in critical condition in a Manhattan hospital.
## Key takeaway

Duncan Sheik, the composer of 'Spring Awakening' and hitmaker of 'Barely Breathing', died at 56 after cardiac arrest.