Ben Saunders, Original 'The Voice of Holland' Winner, Dies at 43

Ben Saunders, the inaugural winner of the Dutch version of the reality singing competition "The Voice," has died at the age of 43. His body was recovered Tuesday from the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a recreational lake in the Netherlands, authorities confirmed.

Police have stated that foul play has been ruled out in his death. "We can confirm that a body was found yesterday at a recreational lake of Arnhem and that police have ruled out foul play," the Police Unit East Netherlands told People magazine. "We do not release or comment on personal details."

Saunders' older brother, Dean, posted a tribute to him on Instagram, expressing profound grief. "I have never experienced pain like what I am feeling right now," he wrote. "My dear little brother passed away today. 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."

Saunders rose to prominence after winning the first season of "The Voice of Holland" in 2011. The show, which premiered in 2010, quickly became a global phenomenon, leading to its U.S. debut in 2011.

Following his victory, Saunders released his debut album, "You Thought You Knew Me by Now," in April 2011, which included the hit song "Kill for a Broken Heart." He released a second album in 2012 before returning to his previous career as a tattoo artist, though he continued to make music.

Marco Borsato, a former coach on "The Voice of Holland," shared his condolences on Instagram, writing, "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."

Saunders is survived by his fiancée, Janita, and their three children.