Lea Michele Pays Tribute To Spring Awakening Composer Duncan Sheik: ‘This One Hurts’

Lea Michele is remembering Duncan Sheik.

Most may know him as the singer of the 1996 hit song Barely Breathing, but Lea knows him as a man who had a defining role in the earlier days of her career.

Following Duncan’s rise to stardom as a ’90s alternative musician, he later transitioned into composing and writing for Broadway musicals. Lea and other stars you know like fellow Glee alum Jonathan Groff and Pitch Perfect star Skylar Astin starred in 2006’s Spring Awakening, so this is a deep loss for the thespian.

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On Instagram on Friday, she mourned his passing, sharing a photo of the two in her Insta Stories and writing:

“I met Duncan when I was 14 years old. I listened to a demo on tape of him singing songs from Spring Awakening outside of my middle school before my first audition. I’m at a loss for words. This one hurts and does not seem real. Thank you for everything you gave us. And for the time we had together. Sending all my love and prayers now to Nora, Ines, and Duncan’s family.”

Such touching words.

Skylar also took to Stories, sharing a photo of Duncan with the caption:

“You had a profound impact on my life. There’s too much to put here. The memories I’ll cherish most are the ones in your Tribeca apartment. You treating me like an equal when I was just a kid. The way you would pop out a new song in an instant. The way you’d play it for us in rehearsal, and we’d all go ‘Sure, but how will we ever sound as cool as Duncan?’ You were who we aspired to be, and we carried your voice and your music as best we could. Love you friend. #notgone”

Duncan clearly made a lasting impression on the people he collaborated with.

News broke on Friday morning of his untimely death at only 56. In a statement to social media, the announcement read:

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Duncan Sheik. The world has a 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, inteligence, 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. Duncan passed away last night surrounded by love.”

His mother has reportedly confirmed he passed away of organ failure.

Sending our sympathies to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

[Image via YouTube/Duncan Sheik/MEGA/WENN]