The first-ever winner of The Voice franchise has been found dead at just 43 years old, hours after his disappearance sparked a massive search in the Netherlands.
Ben Saunders, who made television history when he won the inaugural season of The Voice of Holland in 2011, was found dead Tuesday during a search at the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a popular recreational lake area south of Arnhem.
Saunders had been reported missing earlier that morning, prompting Dutch authorities to launch an extensive search both on land and in the water.
Police dogs, divers, boats and a police helicopter were among the resources deployed as authorities searched for a 43-year-old man matching Saunders’ description.
Around 1:20 p.m., police announced that a body had been discovered during the search. Saunders’ family later confirmed that the person found was the singer.
Police said their investigation found no evidence that a crime had been committed. Authorities have not revealed how Saunders died.
His devastated brother, Dean Saunders, confirmed the loss in an emotional Instagram tribute.
“My dear little brother died today. I have never felt pain like I feel now,” Dean wrote.
He described it as a terrible day for the family and asked that his brother’s death be treated respectfully.
“Ben had a beautiful family and relatives who love him dearly,” Dean continued. “Ben is in my heart and he will stay there forever.”
Former The Voice coach Marco Borsato was among those paying tribute to the singer.
“Dear, special man, my heart is crying,” Borsato wrote, adding that he could not find words for the emptiness Saunders had left behind.
He also offered his support to Saunders’ loved ones.
Saunders was born in London on July 9, 1983, to English parents but grew up in the Dutch city of Hoorn.
His life changed dramatically after he walked onto the set of a brand-new Dutch singing competition in 2010.
During his blind audition for The Voice of Holland, Saunders performed Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” and managed to impress three coaches within the opening seconds of his performance.
He ultimately stormed to victory, winning the competition with 59 percent of the public vote.
That victory made Saunders much more than another reality-show champion.
The Voice of Holland was the original version of the television format that would soon be exported around the globe, meaning Saunders became the first winner in the history of what would become the worldwide Voice franchise.
After the show, Saunders landed a recording contract and enjoyed significant chart success in the Netherlands.
His original single “Kill for a Broken Heart” became his biggest hit, while his debut album, You Thought You Knew Me By Now, also found major success.
He released a second album, Heart & Soul, in 2012.
As his music career became less prominent in later years, Saunders returned to another longtime passion — tattooing.
He opened a tattoo shop in Arnhem and had recently moved to the area.
Saunders told regional media that it was the area’s sense of peace and community that attracted him to Arnhem, saying he felt as though locals had “adopted” him.
He also made another television appearance in 2023 when he competed on the Dutch talent show Avastars.
Saunders’ death comes more than 15 years after his unforgettable Voice victory helped introduce audiences to a television concept that would eventually produce versions around the world, including NBC’s hugely successful American edition.
He is survived by his family, including his children and partner.
Police have not publicly disclosed Saunders’ cause of death.