# First-ever The Voice winner found dead

> Ben Saunders, first 'The Voice' winner, dies at 43.
- Title: First-ever The Voice winner found dead · Page Six | Shortify
- Summary: Ben Saunders, first 'The Voice' winner, dies at 43. Ben Saunders, the first winner of 'The Voice of Holland,' died at age 43 after being found dead in a…
- Keywords: ben saunders, the voice, netherlands, tattoo artist, jueanita, benji, craftman's tattoo, marco borsato, the voice of holland, dutch version, news, entertainment
- Source: Page Six — https://pagesix.com/2026/09/16/celebrity-news/first-ever-the-voice-winner-found-dead-at-age-43
- Published: 2026-09-17T00:43:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ben saunders, the voice, netherlands, tattoo artist, jueanita, benji, craftman's tattoo, marco borsato, the voice of holland, dutch version, news, entertainment
## Ben Saunders dies
Ben Saunders, the first winner of 'The Voice of Holland,' died at age 43.
## Found at lake
Saunders was found dead at the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen recreational lake in the Netherlands Tuesday afternoon.
## Search for tattoos
Police searched for a man with 'various tattoos on his head and neck, on his arms and hands.'
## Partner's statement
Partner Juanita wrote: 'To quote our son Benji: Mom, I have a hole in my heart that is only one percent full.'

> To quote our son Benji: Mom, I have a hole in my heart that is only one percent full.
## Tattoo studio tribute
Juanita invited fans to pay respects at Craftman's Tattoo studio in Arnhem Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
## Brother's tribute
Brother Dean wrote: 'My sweet little brother passed away today. I have never experienced such pain as I feel right now.'

> My sweet little brother passed away today. I have never experienced such pain as I feel right now.
## Key takeaway

Ben Saunders, the first winner of 'The Voice of Holland,' died at age 43 after being found dead in a Dutch lake.