Ben Saunders, the Dutch singer who won the first season of The Voice of Holland, has died at the age of 43. His body was found near Arnhem in the Netherlands on Sept. 15, 2026.
Police have said that no crime was involved, but they have not disclosed Saunders’ cause of death. Authorities have also not released details about how his body ended up in the water.
Saunders was reported missing on the morning of Sept. 15. Police launched a search around Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a recreational lake area south of Arnhem. A body was recovered from the area at about 1:20 p.m. and was later identified as Saunders.
Ben Saunders Cause of Death Has Not Been Revealed
The cause of death remains unknown publicly.
Police said their investigation established that there was no crime involved. However, authorities have not provided a medical cause of death or explained the circumstances that led to Saunders being found at the recreational lake.
That means reports about his death should not go beyond what police have confirmed.
Saunders was 43.
Who Was Ben Saunders?
Saunders was born on July 9, 1983, in London to English parents and grew up in the Dutch town of Hoorn.
He became widely known in the Netherlands after competing on the first season of The Voice of Holland in 2010.
During his blind audition, Saunders performed Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody.” His performance impressed all of the show’s coaches, and he advanced to the final.
The final aired on Jan. 21, 2011. Saunders won with 59% of the vote, defeating Pearl Jozefzoon.
His victory made him the first winner of The Voice of Holland.
His Winning Song Became a No. 1 Hit
Saunders’ winning single, “Kill for a Broken Heart,” became one of the biggest songs of his early career.
The song reached No. 4 on the Dutch Top 40 and No. 1 on the Dutch Single Top 100.
His cover of “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” also reached No. 11 on the Dutch Top 40 during his run on the show.
His debut album, “You Thought You Knew Me By Now,” was released in April 2011 and entered the Dutch Album Top 100 at No. 1.
His second album, “Heart & Soul,” followed in 2012 and peaked at No. 7.
Ben Saunders’ Early Music Career
Saunders had been performing before The Voice of Holland made him a household name.
In 2000, he and his brother Dean Saunders appeared on the RTL 4 talent program Alles voor de band: Follow That Dream. The program resulted in the formation of the pop group Follow That Dream.
The band released its self-titled debut single in 2000. “Follow That Dream” reached No. 25 on the Dutch Top 40.
The group broke up in 2001.
In 2003, Ben and Dean competed in the Dutch Nationaal Songfestival as The Brothers. Their song “Stand As One” finished seventh in the national selection for that year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Awards and Later Career
Saunders’ success continued after his Voice of Holland victory.
In 2011, he won three TMF Awards and the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Dutch Act. He was also nominated for three Edison Awards, including Best Newcomer.
His chart success declined after 2013, although he continued appearing on television and performing.
In 2014, he appeared on the Dutch television series “De Beste Zangers.”
Away from music, Saunders developed another career as a tattoo artist. He eventually ran a tattoo shop in Arnhem while continuing to perform.
Saunders Was Known as “Tattoo Ben”
Saunders became known by the nickname “Tattoo Ben” because of his extensive tattoos, including tattoos on his head and neck.
He lived in Hoorn before moving to Arnhem, where he established his tattoo business.
His two brothers were Dean and Jamie Saunders.
Police Investigation Into His Death
Saunders was reported missing on Sept. 15, prompting a search around Rijkerswoerdse Plassen.
Police subsequently recovered a body from the recreational lake area.
Authorities later confirmed that their investigation had ruled out criminal involvement. They have not publicly identified a cause of death.
Saunders’ death therefore remains a developing story, with the circumstances surrounding his final hours not publicly explained.
Ben Saunders’ Music Legacy
Saunders’ biggest national breakthrough came during the first season of The Voice of Holland, where his distinctive appearance and powerful performances helped make him one of the show’s early stars.
His victory produced a No. 1 album and a No. 1 single on the Dutch charts, while his later career included television appearances, live performances and work as a tattoo artist.
He remained active in both music and tattooing before his death at 43.
Ben Saunders at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ben Saunders |
| Born | July 9, 1983 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Died | Sept. 15, 2026 |
| Age | 43 |
| Known for | First winner of The Voice of Holland |
| Winning year | 2011 |
| Biggest No. 1 single | “Kill for a Broken Heart” |
| No. 1 album | You Thought You Knew Me By Now |
| Other occupation | Tattoo artist |
| Place found | Rijkerswoerdse Plassen near Arnhem |
| Cause of death | Not publicly disclosed |
| Police finding | No crime involved |
