Voice of Holland winner found dead in Dutch lake

Ben Saunders, British-born winner of The Voice of Holland, discovered dead in a recreational lake in the Netherlands at age 43.

Sep 16, 2026

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Voice of Holland winner found dead in Dutch lake

Ben Saunders, British-born winner of The Voice of Holland, discovered dead in a recreational lake in the Netherlands at age 43.

In brief

Ben Saunders, British-born winner of The Voice of Holland, discovered dead in a recreational lake in the Netherlands at age 43. Ben Saunders, who won The Voice of Holland in 2011 and had a successful music career, was found dead in a Dutch lake; police ruled out foul play. Originally reported by Dailymail.

Voice of Holland winner found dead

Ben Saunders, 43, was discovered in Rijkerswoerdse Plassen lake in Arnhem, Netherlands on Tuesday afternoon after being reported missing that morning.

Police search launched after man enters water

A man was seen entering the water and did not resurface, prompting police to launch a search that led to the discovery of Saunders' body.

Foul play ruled out by authorities

Police have not disclosed the cause of death but have ruled out foul play in the incident.

Family witnesses body recovery

Saunders' family watched from the sidelines as his body was recovered from the water and have since paid tribute to him.

Brother shares heartbreaking tribute

Dean Saunders posted on Instagram: 'My dear little brother passed away today. I have never experienced pain like what I am feeling right now.'

“My dear little brother passed away today... I have never experienced pain like what I am feeling right now”

Dean honors Ben's family and legacy

Dean wrote that Ben had a beautiful family that loved him very much, and that Ben would stay in his heart forever.

“Ben had a beautiful beautiful family and a family that loves him very much and always will”

Fans flood social media with tributes

Fans shared emotional messages on Facebook, with one saying the season Ben won was one of the best and they were glued to the screen.

“I haven't really followed him since, but that season of The Voice...he won...was one of the best”

Fans wish strength to loved ones

Multiple fans expressed their condolences, with messages like 'Rest in peace, Ben' and wishes of strength to his family and friends.

“Rest in peace, Ben. A sad end; wishing strength to everyone who loved him”

Final social media post shows happiness

Just days before his death, Saunders shared a photo on social media showing him and his partner at a wedding.

Born in London to British parents

Saunders was born in London but moved to the Dutch city of Hoorn as a young child, where he grew up.

Won The Voice of Holland in 2011

Saunders rose to prominence after winning the first season of the Dutch television talent show The Voice of Holland in 2011.

Released multiple albums over the years

Throughout his career, Saunders released several albums and built a following as a recording artist.

Hit single topped Dutch charts

His single Kill for a Broken Heart topped the Single Top 100 chart in the Netherlands.

Also worked as tattoo artist

Beyond his music career, Saunders ran a tattoo shop in Arnhem where he worked as a tattoo artist.

Multifaceted career in entertainment

Saunders balanced his music career with his tattoo business, building a life in the Dutch city where he had grown up.

Remembered for talent and kindness

Tributes emphasize Saunders' musical talent from his Voice of Holland win and the impact he had on those who knew him.

The takeaway

Ben Saunders, who won The Voice of Holland in 2011 and had a successful music career, was found dead in a Dutch lake; police ruled out foul play.

Read the original on Dailymail

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