Ben Saunders, the singer who won the very first season of “The Voice of Holland,” has died at age 43. His body was recovered from the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a popular recreational lake near Arnhem, in the Netherlands, on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
According to local newspaper De Telegraaf, Saunders was found at the lake, and police recovered his body at 1:20 PM local time, DutchNews reported. No cause of death has been made public.
The Police Unit East Netherlands confirmed the discovery in a statement to People Magazine, saying foul play has been ruled out.
“We can confirm that a body was found yesterday at a recreational lake of Arnhem and that police have ruled out foul play. We do not release or comment on personal details.”
Saunders’ older brother, Dean, announced the death on Instagram, sharing a childhood photo of the two of them.
“I have never experienced pain like what I am feeling right now. My dear little brother passed away today. What a terrible day for all of us. We have to learn to live with this and I hope this will be handled respectfully… Ben had a beautiful beautiful family and a family that loves him very much and always will .. Ben is in my heart and he will stay there forever.”
Dean also posted a more recent photo of the brothers on the Tattoo Saunders business Instagram account, writing, “Rest in peace my little brother. Ben Saunders will never be forgotten.”
From reality TV winner to tattoo artist
Saunders, who was born in Britain and lived in the Netherlands, won the first season of “The Voice of Holland” in 2011. The show had premiered in 2010 and went on to spawn adaptations around the world, including “The Voice” in the United States, which launched in 2011.
After his win, Saunders released his debut album, “You Thought You Knew Me by Now,” in April 2011, which included one of his best-known songs, “Kill for a Broken Heart.” He put out a second album in 2012 before returning to his earlier career as a tattoo artist, while continuing to make music.
Marco Borsato, one of the coaches on “The Voice of Holland” during Saunders’ season, posted two tributes on Instagram, including footage of Saunders performing on the show and a photo of the two of them together on stage.
“Dear, special man, my heart is crying! I can’t find words for the emptiness you leave behind. Dear Janita, friends and family, lots of strength in processing this enormous loss.”
Saunders is survived by his fiancée, Janita, and his three children.
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