Ben Saunders cause of death: First-ever 'The Voice' winner found dead at 43
The singer and tattoo artist made TV history by winning the first season of The Voice of Holland
Ben Saunders became part of television history when he won the very first season of The Voice of Holland .
Fifteen years later, his sudden death at 43 has left his family, former colleagues and fans mourning while authorities continue to determine what happened.
Saunders was found dead Tuesday afternoon at the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen recreational lake in the Netherlands, according to local reports. A cause of death hasn't yet been made public.
Police have said foul play isn't suspected, but no further explanation has been released about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Saunders was known internationally as the first winner of the franchise that would later expand into dozens of countries, including the United States. He won the inaugural Dutch season in 2011.
Family shares emotional message
Saunders ’ partner, Juanita , and their nine-year-old son, Benji , addressed his death in a deeply personal Instagram statement.
“To quote our son Benji: Mom, I have a hole in my heart that is only one percent full,” Juanita wrote. “This loss leaves an indescribably huge void in our lives. We earnestly ask everyone to respect our privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
The family also invited fans to pay their respects at Craftman’s Tattoo in Arnhem, the studio Saunders co-owned with Juanita . Tattooing had been another major part of his life.
Saunders had more than 25 years of experience as a tattoo artist, balancing that work with his music career. His brother, Dean Saunders , also posted an emotional tribute.
“My sweet little brother passed away today,” he wrote. “I have never experienced such pain as I feel right now. What a terrible day for all of us.”
Dean added: “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.”
The Voice community remembers first champion
Former Voice coach Marco Borsato was among those who publicly mourned Saunders.
He shared footage of the pair singing “Dochters” together on the show and later wrote: “Dear, special man, my heart is crying!”
“I can’t find words for the emptiness you leave behind,” Borsato added.
Saunders ’ 2011 victory carried wider significance because The Voice of Holland was the original version of the format. Its success helped turn The Voice into a global television franchise with adaptations around the world.
That made Saunders not just a national winner, but the first champion in the history of the entire format.
His death has now prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who knew him personally and from viewers who remember the singer who helped launch one of television’s biggest talent-show franchises.
