Duncan Sheik, singer-songwriter and award-winning Broadway composer, has died at the age of 56, according to a post on his Instagram. The cause of death was cardiac arrest.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Duncan Sheik,” the caption of the post reads.
Sheik died at a hospital in Manhattan on Thursday night, his mother Suzanne Sheik told the New York Times.
The family announced his death in an Instagram post on Friday, Sept. 18, which features a photo of the star smiling with his guitar.
“The world (has lost) a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater ... Duncan’s artistry touched many and leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape,” the caption reads.
Sheik released nine studio albums over the span of his career. He’s best known for his 1996 smash hit “Barely Breathing,” for which he earned a Grammy nomination for best male pop vocal performance, NBC News reported previously.
The singer-songwriter later found success on Broadway as a composer. In 2006, Sheik, along with Stephen Sater, wrote the score for the breakout musical “Spring Awakening.”
The Broadway show starred actors Lea Michelle and Jonathon Groff in their first major theater roles. Sheik went on to win two Tony Awards for his work on “Spring Awakening,” including best original score and best orchestrations.
“Spring Awakening” also won best musical at the 2007 Tony Awards, and won the Grammy in 2008 for best musical show album.
“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,” the Instagram statement said.
Sheik is survived by his wife, Nora Ariffin, and their seven-year-old daughter, Ines.
Days prior to his death, Sheik’s family announced that he was receiving medical care and was in “critical but stable condition,” according to a statement posted to the singer’s Instagram.
Here’s what we know about his cause of death so far.
What Was Duncan Sheik’s Cause of Death?
Sheik’s cause of death was cardiac arrest, his mother Suzanne Sheik confirmed to the New York Times.
It is unclear what led to Sheik’s cardiac arrest. The family did not immediately release any additional medical details.
“Duncan passed away last night surrounded by love,” his family said in the Instagram statement.
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating suddenly due to an electrical malfunction, according to the American Heart Association.
When the heart’s electrical system stops working normally, this causes a dangerous, abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which leads the heart to stop pumping blood to the rest of the body.
This deprives the brain and other vital organs of oxygen, which is carried in blood, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Immediately after cardiac arrest, a person will lose consciousness and stop breathing. It can be fatal within minutes. Without treatment (such as CPR or defibrillation), cardiac arrest will lead to sudden cardiac death.
Cardiac arrest can happen unexpectedly with no known cause, or it can be triggered by underlying heart disorders, genetic conditions, severe infections or electrolyte imbalances.
Sheik’s family did not disclose any details surrounding the nature of his cardiac arrest or underlying health conditions.
Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart is significantly reduced or blocked, per the AHA.
What Did Duncan Sheik’s Family Share About His Health?
Two days before his death, Sheik’s family took to social media to address his health status.
In a statement posted to Instagram on Sept. 16, his family announced that the singer had been hospitalized. “Duncan is currently receiving medical care and remains in critical but stable condition,” it said.
It remains unclear what Sheik was being treated for, or for how long. “Out of respect for Duncan and our family, we will not be sharing further medical details at this time,” the statement added.
On Sept. 6, Sheik posted a photo of himself on Instagram with the caption, “still bored in hospital.”
In their statement, Sheik’s family thanked fans for their support. “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.”