Ben Saunders, the singer who became the first-ever winner of The Voice of Holland, has died at age 43, bringing renewed attention to the Dutch talent show that became the starting point for one of television’s biggest global franchises.
Saunders’ death was confirmed by his family after his body was found Tuesday, September 15, at the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen recreational lake near Arnhem in the Netherlands. Dutch police said the death was not being treated as a crime, while the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
His brother, Dean Saunders, confirmed the death in an emotional Instagram post. Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that the family asked for the situation to be treated with respect.
What happened to Ben Saunders?
Saunders had been reported missing before authorities began searching around the recreational lake south of Arnhem on September 15.
Police eventually found a body in the water. At the time, authorities did not immediately identify the person publicly, but Saunders’ family later confirmed that he had died. Police have ruled out a criminal act, according to NOS and other Dutch reports.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed.
That distinction is important as details continue to emerge: authorities have ruled out a crime, but no public cause of death has been announced.
Ben Saunders made history on The Voice of Holland
Saunders became a familiar name in the Netherlands after appearing on the inaugural season of The Voice of Holland.
The series premiered in the Netherlands in 2010, and Saunders won its first season in 2011. His victory made him the first champion of the format that would eventually spread across television markets worldwide.
After his Voice victory, Saunders continued working in music. His song “Kill For a Broken Heart” became a major success in the Netherlands, and he released two albums, You Thought You Knew Me by Now in 2011 and Heart & Soul in 2012.
He also worked as a tattoo artist and remained connected to the Dutch entertainment scene.
Why The Voice of Holland is trending now
The search interest around The Voice of Holland is closely connected to Saunders’ death.
His death has prompted renewed interest in the show’s origins because the Dutch program was the original version of The Voice before the format expanded internationally.
The timing also gives the story an unusual connection to the show’s current history. The Voice of Holland returned to Dutch television in January 2026 after a four-year absence. The latest season ended May 8, when Ruben Hillen was announced as the winner.
That means the original winner’s death comes in the same year that the program itself returned to television.
The Voice of Holland became a global franchise
The significance of Saunders’ 2011 victory extends beyond the Netherlands.
According to ITV Studios, The Voice premiered in the Netherlands in 2010 and has since grown to more than 150 adaptations and spin-offs around the world. ITV said in 2023 that the franchise had passed 150 global commissions, with the U.S. version on NBC among its longest-running editions.
The format’s central idea — singers performing for coaches who initially cannot see them during the Blind Auditions — became one of the defining features of the franchise.
The format has since appeared in numerous countries, alongside spin-offs including The Voice Kids, The Voice Senior, The Voice Teens, The Voice All Stars and others.
So while American viewers may know The Voice primarily through NBC, the franchise’s roots trace back to the Dutch program where Saunders made television history.
A new generation of The Voice winners
Saunders’ death also comes at a moment when The Voice of Holland is beginning another chapter.
Ruben Hillen won the show’s 2026 season after the program returned to RTL 4. RTL reported that Hillen received a record contract with Cloud 9 Music as part of his victory.
Hillen’s win and Saunders’ death are separated by only a few months, creating an unexpected link between the show’s newest champion and the singer who became its first.
For American viewers searching for The Voice of Holland today, that history helps explain why Saunders’ name is suddenly appearing alongside the franchise itself.
What is known about Ben Saunders’ death?
As of September 16, 2026, authorities have not publicly disclosed a cause of death.
What has been reported is that Saunders was reported missing, a body was recovered from Rijkerswoerdse Plassen on September 15, and his family subsequently confirmed his death. Police have said they are not treating the death as a crime.
Further information will depend on statements from Saunders’ family and Dutch authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ben Saunders?
Ben Saunders was a Dutch singer who won the inaugural season of The Voice of Holland in 2011.
How old was Ben Saunders when he died?
Saunders was 43 years old.
When did Ben Saunders win The Voice of Holland?
He won the first season of The Voice of Holland in 2011.
How did Ben Saunders die?
His body was found in Rijkerswoerdse Plassen near Arnhem on September 15, 2026. Authorities have ruled out a criminal act, but a cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Is The Voice of Holland connected to The Voice in the U.S.?
Yes. The Voice of Holland was the original Dutch version of the format. ITV Studios says the franchise has since expanded to more than 150 adaptations and spin-offs globally, including the U.S. edition.
