Ben Saunders, the first winner of “The Voice of Holland,” has died at the age of 43.
The singer, who was a contestant in 2011 on the Dutch version of the reality show that has since found success in countries around the world, including the US, was found dead at the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen recreational lake in the Netherlands Tuesday afternoon, the local outlet De Telegraaf reported.
The outlet reported that Saunders was found during a search for a man with “various tattoos on his head and neck, on his arms and hands.”
A cause of death wasn’t immediately revealed, and police ruled out foul play.
Saunders’ partner, Juanita, and their 9-year-old son, Benji, mourned the TV personality in a heartbreaking Instagram statement Wednesday.
“To quote our son Benji: Mom, I have a hole in my heart that is only one percent full,” Juanita wrote. “This loss leaves an indescribably huge void in our lives. We earnestly ask everyone to respect our privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Juanita invited fans to pay their respects at the tattoo studio she owned with Saunders, Craftman’s Tattoo, in Arnhem on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
Saunders was a tattoo artist with more than 25 years of experience.
Additionally, Ben’s brother, Dean Saunders, addressed the reality star’s tragic passing in an emotional statement shared via Instagram.
“My sweet little brother passed away today,” he wrote, alongside a throwback photo of himself and Ben in red sweaters. “I have never experienced such pain as I feel right now. What a terrible day for all of us.”
“We have to learn to live with this and I hope this will be handled respectfully. Ben had a beautiful, beautiful family and a family that loves him very much and always will … Ben is in my heart and he will stay there forever 
,” he concluded.
Marco Borsato, a former “Voice” coach, mourned Ben by posting a song of them singing a duet to Borsato’s 2011 song, “Dochters,” on the competition series.
“
,” he captioned the sentimental clip.
Additionally, he shared a follow-up tribute with a photo of himself and Ben on the series, writing, “Dear, special man, my heart is crying!”
“I can’t find words for the emptiness you leave behind,” he continued, also penning a message to Ben’s family, “Dear Juanita, friends and family, lots of strength in processing this enormous loss.”
Ben won the Netherlands’ version of “The Voice” — where the show originated — during the first season.
The show’s success led to the franchise expanding globally with 150 adaptations as of 2023, per ITV.
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