On Tuesday, September 15, the Police Unit East Netherlands reported that they had discovered a body at the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen recreational lake. Sadly, that person was none other than Ben Saunders, the original winner of The Voice of Holland. While winning the first season back in 2011, Saunders expanded his career in the music industry when releasing his debut album, You Thought You Knew Me By Now. With Saunders only 43 when he passed away, his brother, Dean Saunders, paid tribute to the singer while struggling to process the sudden loss.
According to reports from the Police Unit East Netherlands, the body was discovered around 1:20 p.m. local time. With police investigating the scene, the department wrote in a statement, “We can confirm that a body was found yesterday at a recreational lake in Arnhem and that police have ruled out foul play. We do not release or comment on personal details.”
Videos by American Songwriter
While the investigation was ongoing, Ben’s brother, Dean, shared a touching post that included a picture of them as children. The caption read, “My dear little brother passed away today… I have never felt pain like this before… what a terrible day for all of us… We have to learn to live with this, and I hope it is treated with respect…”
Former ‘The Voice’ Coach Remembers Ben Saunders
Explaining what Ben was like away from the cameras and stage, Dean promised that he was loved by far more than the spotlight. “Ben had a beautiful family and relatives who love him dearly—and I always will, too… Ben is in my heart, and he will stay there forever.”
Dean wasn’t the only one who remembered Ben and the talents he possessed. Marco Borsato, a former coach on The Voice of Holland, posted a picture of them together. Much like Dean, it was difficult for him to process the loss. “Dear, special man, my heart is crying! I can’t find words for the emptiness you leave behind. Dear Janita, friends and family, lots of strength in processing this enormous loss.”
Ben might have made history as the first winner of The Voice of Holland, but the tributes made it clear his life stretched far beyond that moment. To those who knew him, the singer came second to the brother, father and friend they loved.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Riley Green performs on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on September 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/WireImage) -
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: (L-R) Ozzy Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne attend the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) -
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 17: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Kenny Chesney performs onstage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on March 17, 2025. Broadcasted live on FOX. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio) -
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 17: Detail of an electric guitar as Luke Bryan performs during the "Country On Tour" at Budweiser Stage on June 17, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mathew Tsang/Getty Images) -
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. The guests for Wednesday, August 26 included guest host Jelly Roll, Nathan Fillion ("Lanterns" and "The Rookie"), and Juicy J and Project Pat ("Dem Goats"). Musical guest Juicy J and Project Pat featuring Lecrae and Sara Niemietz sits in with The Cletones. (Disney/Randy Holmes)JELLY ROLL (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images) -
LONDON – 1st MAY: Van Halen pose in a London photographic studio in May 1978. Left to Right: Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns) -
THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW — Episode A5174 — Pictured: Kelly Clarkson — (Photo by: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 17: (L-R) Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn attend the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM)