‘Barely Breathing’ Singer Dies Suddenly At 56

Duncan Sheik, the singer-songwriter behind the ’90s hit “Barely Breathing” who later became a force on Broadway, has died. He was 56.

Sheik died Thursday in Manhattan from organ failure, according to his mother, who confirmed his death to The New York Times. Page Six reported that the musician suffered cardiac arrest.

His family announced his death Friday on Instagram “with profound sadness.”

“The world has a lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater,” his family wrote of the beloved “father, husband, son, brother, and friend.”

The statement continued, “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.”

Sheik died “surrounded by love,” his family said.

His death came just one day after his loved ones revealed that he had been hospitalized and was in “critical but stable condition.”

The family said Wednesday that Sheik was “receiving medical care,” but declined to disclose “medical details” as they navigated the “difficult time.”

They also thanked fans for the “love and support” as word of his hospitalization spread.

Sheik burst onto the music scene with “Barely Breathing,” the breakout single from his self-titled 1996 debut album.

The song became the biggest pop hit of his career, spending 55 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Sheik a Grammy nomination for best male pop vocal performance.

While “Barely Breathing” made Sheik a star, he later found another level of success on Broadway.

Sheik composed the music for “Spring Awakening,” the acclaimed musical that opened on Broadway in 2006 and went on to win eight Tony Awards, including best musical.

Sheik won the Tony for best orchestrations and shared the award for best original score with lyricist Steven Sater. He also won a Grammy for the show’s cast recording.

His theater work later included “American Psycho,” “Alice by Heart,” and “The Secret Life of Bees,” giving Sheik a career that stretched far beyond the radio hit that first made him famous.

Sheik’s representative did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

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