Ben Saunders, First-Ever "The Voice" Winner, Dead at 43: Family and Former Coach Pay Tribute

Ben Saunders, who won the first season of“The Voice of Holland”in 2011 and became the first champion of what grew into a global franchise spanning 150 international versions, has died at 43. He was found dead Tuesday at the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a recreational lake in the Netherlands. Police ruled out foul play and have not released a cause of death.

Saunders was more than a singing competition winner. He worked as a tattoo artist for over 25 years, and Saturday’s public memorial will be held at Craftman’s Tattoo in Arnhem, the shop where he spent so much of his life. He leaves behind his partner Juanita and their 9-year-old son Benji, who shared a tribute on Instagram:“Mom, I have a hole in my heart that is only one percent full.”His brother Dean Saunders wrote,“My sweet little brother passed away today. I have never experienced such pain as I feel right now.”Former“Voice”coach Marco Borsato also posted a tribute.

The family has asked for privacy during this time. Saunders’win in 2011 launched a format that would go on to define reality music television for more than a decade, making his loss a significant moment for fans of the show around the world. What’s your favorite memory from“The Voice,”or from Saunders’season? Share it in the comments.