 After suffering from diabetes for several years , Barrett died at home in Cambridge on 7 July 2006 , aged 60 . The cause of death was pancreatic cancer . The occupation on his death certificate was " retired musician " . He was cremated , with his ashes given to a family member or friend . In 2006 , his home in St. Margaret 's Square , Cambridge , was put on the market and reportedly attracted considerable interest . After over 100 showings , many by fans , it was sold to a French couple who bought it simply because they liked it ; reportedly they knew nothing about Barrett . On 28 November 2006 , Barrett 's other possessions were sold at an auction at Cheffins auction house in Cambridge , raising £ 120 @,@ 000 for charity . Items sold included paintings , scrapbooks and everyday items that Barrett had decorated . NME produced a tribute issue to Barrett a week later with a photo of him on the cover . In an interview with The Sunday Times , Barrett 's sister revealed that he had written a book : 
