Ben Saunders, First-Ever ‘The Voice’ Winner, Found Dead at 43

Ben Saunders, the first winner of The Voice of Holland, has died at the age of 43.

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that Saunders was found dead on Tuesday at Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a recreational lake in Elst near Arnhem in the Netherlands. Police recovered a body from the lake at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time, according to Dutch News.

The Police Unit East Netherlands confirmed to People on Wednesday (Sept. 16) that foul play has been ruled out, while a cause of death has not been announced and additional personal details were declined.

His brother, Dean Saunders, shared the news of his death on Instagram alongside a throwback photo of the siblings.

“My dear little brother passed away today…I have never felt pain like this before… what a terrible day for all of us… We have to learn to live with this, and I hope it is treated with respect…,” Dean wrote in the translated caption. “Ben had a wonderful family and relatives who love him dearly–and I always will, too… Ben is in my heart, and he will stay there forever.”

Saunders won the inaugural season of The Voice of Holland in 2011. The Dutch series premiered in 2010 as the first iteration of a global franchise that has generated more than 150 adaptations worldwide.

His victory occurred one day before Dean won the Dutch version of Popstars. Ben later appeared on the 2023 SBS talent competition Avastars.

Former coach Marco Borsato shared an Instagram clip of Saunders performing his song “Dochters.” Borsato also posted a photo of the two performing together with a translated caption stating, “Dear, special man—my heart is weeping!”

“I cannot find words for the void you leave behind,” Borsato wrote while sending strength and condolences to Saunders’ fianceé, Janita, along with his friends and family.

According to NOS, Saunders most recently lived in Arnhem and is survived by his family and fianceé.

View the Instagram tributes below.