Ben Saunders, First Voice Winner, Found Dead at 43

Ben Saunders, the first winner of The Voice of Holland, was found dead in a recreational lake near Arnhem on September 15, 2026, at the age of 43. He had been reported missing earlier that day, prompting a search involving police dogs, divers, and a helicopter. Police confirmed that a body was recovered from the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time. Authorities ruled out foul play but have not publicly disclosed the cause of death. The identification was based on distinctive tattoos and confirmed by family members. Saunders' brother, Dean, announced his death in an Instagram post, writing, "My dear little brother died today. I have never felt such pain as I feel now." He added, "What a dreadful day for us all. We have to learn to live with this and I hope it is treated with respect." Dean also noted that Ben had a beautiful family and relatives who love him dearly. Tributes also came from singer Marco Borsato, who was a coach on The Voice of Holland. Borsato posted on social media, "Dear, special man, my heart is crying. I cannot find words for the emptiness you leave behind." He extended condolences to Saunders' fiancée, Janita Engels, and family.