Ben Saunders, the first winner of The Voice of Holland, has died at 43. Police found his body in a recreational lake in the Netherlands. The discovery happened at Rijkerswoerdse Plassen near Arnhem on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Dutch police said they recovered a body from the lake around 1:20 p.m.
Authorities have ruled out foul play in the singer’s death. However, police have not revealed the cause of death. The investigation has not produced any further public details. News of Saunders’ death has since shocked fans who followed his journey from television to music.
Saunders shot to fame in 2011 after winning the first season of The Voice of Holland. His victory made him the show’s first-ever winner. The Dutch programme later became the original version of the global The Voice franchise. After music, Saunders explored another passion and became a tattoo artist.
He later opened a tattoo parlour with his brother, Dean Saunders. Dean confirmed Ben’s death through an emotional Instagram tribute. He described the loss as an “extremely painful experience.” Dean also called Ben his “little brother of 43 years.” He added that he would have done anything for him. Finally, Dean said Ben would remain in his heart forever.
