Ben Saunders, who made television history in 2011 as the first-ever winner of "The Voice" franchise, has died at 43. His body was recovered Tuesday from Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a recreational lake near Arnhem in the Netherlands, Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reported.
The Police Unit East Netherlands confirmed to People magazine that a body was found at the lake and that foul play has been ruled out. Authorities said they would not release or comment on further personal details, and a cause of death has not been disclosed.
A Historic Win, a Global Franchise
Saunders won the debut season of "The Voice of Holland" in January 2011, a victory that launched the format into more than 150 international versions, including NBC's American edition. His winning single, "Kill for a Broken Heart," topped the Dutch charts, and his debut album, "You Thought You Knew Me By Now," reached No. 1 that same year. Known to fans as "Tattoo Ben," he also ran a tattoo shop in Arnhem.
Tributes Pour In
Saunders' brother, Dean Saunders, confirmed the death on Instagram, writing that his "dear little brother passed away today" and asking that the family's grief "be treated with respect." Marco Borsato, who coached during Saunders' winning season, wrote online, "Dear, special man, my heart is crying."
He is survived by his fiancée, Janita Engels, and their three children. As tributes continue to arrive from across the music world, fans and fellow artists alike are being asked to keep his family in their prayers during an unimaginably difficult week.
