Ben Saunders, the winner of the original version of The Voice, has died at 43. Saunders’ death was announced by his brother through Instagram. His body was recovered from Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a popular recreational lake in the Netherlands. However, authorities have confirmed that there is “no crime involved” in his death. More details remain under wraps for now. In a statement (via Entertainment Weekly), the Police Unit East Netherlands confirmed,
We can only confirm that a body was found yesterday near [Rijkerswoerdse Plassen]. Investigation makes clear, there is no crime involved. We never answer about one’s identity due to privacy.
The official cause of death has yet to be disclosed.
All We Know About Ben Saunders’ Death
Ben Saunders on The Voice Holland Season 1 | Credit: The Voice
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that Saunders was reported missing earlier on September 15. The same day, his body was found at Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, which is a lake in Arnhem-South, Netherlands. The body was recovered from the lake around 1:20 p.m. local time on that day. The news was broken publicly by his brother Dean, who wrote on Instagram,
My dear little brother died today. I have never felt such pain as I feel now. What a dreadful day for us all.
The outlet reported that authorities do not suspect foul play. However, an official cause of death has not been announced. Dutch News has reported that the singer suffered from various health issues over the years.
Who Was Ben Saunders
Ben Saunders Performing on The Voice Holland | Credit: The Voice
Ben Saunders was born on July 9, 1983, in London. Later, as a child, he moved to the Netherlands with his parents and grew up in Hoorn. He owned a tattoo parlor in Arnhem. He rose to fame after winning season 1 of The Voice of Holland. It was also the very first season of the entire global franchise, which later got adapted across various countries.
Saunders’ audition on The Voice with Kings of Leon’s Use Somebody became quite popular. However, it was his original Kill for a Broken Heart, that ultimately won fans and judges both. The track went on to debut on the Dutch Top 40 singles chart. The song was also included on his first solo album You Thought You Knew Me By Now, which became a chart-topper.
In 2012, he released another studio album titled Heart & Soul. Saunders went on to win several awards, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Dutch Act. Her later began operating a tattoo parlor. Dutch News reported that he had some run-ins with law enforcement. In 2016, he received a community service sentence for abusing a traffic official. The outlet reported that he was a member of a biker club, allegedly known for having ties to “organized violence and drug dealing.”
Upon his untimely passing, The Voice of Holland coach Marco Borsato paid Suanders a tribute on social media. “Dear special man, my heart is crying. I can’t find words for the emptiness you leave behind,” he wrote. Saunders was engaged to Janita Engles.
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