# Duncan Sheik Dies at 56

> Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik, known for 'Barely Breathing' and 'Spring Awakening', dies at 56 after organ failure.
- Title: Duncan Sheik Dies at 56 · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik, known for 'Barely Breathing' and 'Spring Awakening', dies at 56 after organ failure. Duncan Sheik, the…
- Keywords: duncan sheik, spring awakening, barely breathing, grammy, broadway, nora ariffin, innes, soka gakkai international, nichiren buddhist, Duncan, Sheik, Dies
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/duncan-sheik-dies-singer-barely-breathing-family-wife-12461354
- Published: 2026-09-18T15:47:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: duncan sheik, spring awakening, barely breathing, grammy, broadway, nora ariffin, innes, soka gakkai international, nichiren buddhist
## Duncan Sheik dies
Duncan Sheik, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who became an acclaimed Broadway composer with the groundbreaking musical 'Spring Awakening', has died at 56.
## Organ failure cause
Sheik died Thursday night according to a statement posted to his Instagram account. His mother, Suzanne Sheik, told The New York Times that the cause was organ failure.
## Family statement
The world has lost a singular talent and deeply influential voice in music and theater, a statement posted by his family said.
## Survived by wife and daughter
He is survived by his wife, Nora Ariffin, and their daughter, Ines.
## Critical condition
His death came after his family announced earlier in the week that he was receiving medical care and was in critical but stable condition.
## Family life
Sheik and Ariffin had been together for more than a decade and welcomed their daughter in 2018.
## Musical background
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, he spent his childhood between New Jersey and South Carolina following his parents’ divorce.
## Key takeaway

Duncan Sheik, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter behind 'Barely Breathing' and 'Spring Awakening', dies at 56 after organ failure.