The Voice winner Ben Saunders found dead in lake aged 43 after vanishing as heartbroken brother pays tribute

THE first-ever winner of The Voice has been found dead in a lake aged 43 – with heartbreaking tributes pouring in for the late star. London-born Ben Saunders, who claimed victory in the Dutch edition of the singing competition in 2011, was discovered lifeless in Holland on Tuesday. Ben Saunders has been found dead aged 43 Credit: JamPress The singer was the first winner of the Dutch show Credit: JamPress His brother Dean confirmed the tragic news on Instagram after a body was recovered during a missing person search on Tuesday. Police said foul play had been ruled out but did not give a cause of death. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! The engaged dad-of-three’s body was pulled from the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a recreational lake between Arnhem and Elst in the Netherlands. He was found at about 1.20pm, having been reported missing just hours earlier that morning. The first-ever winner of The Voice has been found dead in a lake Credit: JamPress Ben pictured with fiancee Janita and one of his three children Credit: JamPress A desperate search including land and water teams with boats, dogs, divers and a helicopter had been launched. It came after a bystander spotted a man going into the water and not coming back up. A public alert had described a 43-year-old man with a beard, white shirt, blue jeans, black shoes and tattoos on his head, neck, arms and hands. Netherlands police said they are “currently visibly present at the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen in connection with a missing person”. Most read in TV He was engaged to his partner Janita and had three children The late was found dead in Holland on Tuesday Credit: JamPress Heartbreaking tributes poured in for the late musician. Dean said: “My dear little brother died today. I have never felt pain like I feel now. “What a terrible day for all of us. We have to learn to live with this and I hope it is treated with respect. “Ben had a beautiful family and relatives who love him dearly. “I will always do so too. Ben is in my heart and he will stay there forever.” Former Voice coach Marco Borsato posted: “Dear, special man, my heart is crying. “I cannot find words for the emptiness you leave behind.” He added: “Dear Janita, friends and family, much strength in processing this enormous loss.” Born in London on 9 July 1983 to English parents, Ben was raised in the Dutch city of Hoorn. After an ear-catching performance of Use Somebody by Kings of Leon, he turned the judges on Dutch version of The Voice in seconds. He then shot to fame by taking 59 per cent of the public vote in the final. The sensation’s winning single Kill For A Broken Heart went to number one and his debut album You Thought You Knew Me By Now topped the Dutch chart. Ben went on to run a tattoo shop in Arnhem. He is survived by his fiancée Janita and three children. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now