'The Voice' Star Ben Saunders Found Dead In Lake At 43, Inside His Family Life With Fiancee And Kids
Ben Saunders, the first winner of 'The Voice of Holland', was found dead at 43. His fiancee, Janita Engels, and three children mourn his loss as police rule out foul play.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleBen Saunders, the original winner of The Voice franchise, has passed away. The singer, 43, who won The Voice of Holland, was found dead at a recreational lake in the Netherlands on September 15, 2026.
The cause of Saunders' death has not yet been officially determined, but police have reportedly ruled out foul play. Saunders’ brother, Dean, and fiancée, Janita Engels, have since shared emotional tributes as the family asks for privacy during an unimaginably difficult time.
Saunders rose to fame in 2011 when he won the inaugural season of The Voice of Holland, becoming a household name in the Netherlands. His death has brought renewed attention to his life beyond the stage, including his relationship with Janita and the three children he leaves behind.
Who was Ben Saunders' fiancée, Janita Engels?
Ben Saunders' musical career has seen many highs and lows after his historic win at The Voice franchise. The couple had been together for years, and Engels has stayed by his side through the various phases of his journey. Recently, they moved from Hoorn to Arnhem, hoping for a fresh start for their family after facing financial setbacks.
There is limited public information about Engels, except for her and Saunders' shared passion for tattoos. The couple opened a tattoo parlour together in 2018, after Saunders previously launched Tattoo Saunders with his brother, Dean. Just days before his death, Saunders reportedly attended a wedding with Janita, where he performed.
Janita later confirmed the family's loss in an emotional statement, sharing a heartbreaking line from their son Benji: "Mama, I have a hole in my heart that is only one percent full..." As she confirmed the news of Ben's passing, she wrote:
"This loss leaves an indescribably huge void in our lives. We earnestly ask everyone to respect our privacy during this incredibly difficult time. Please grant us, as family and loved ones, the peace and space we so desperately need right now to begin the process of coming to terms with this in private and to prepare for the farewell. We thank everyone for their understanding."
Ben Saunders leaves behind three children
Saunders was a father of three, with Janita and his children being the centre of his life away from the spotlight. Reports say that Ben and Janita had built a blended family dynamic with their son, Benji, and two kids from previous relationships. Janita has previously offered glimpses into their family life through interviews and social media.
In her statement following his death, Janita made clear that the family needs time and space to grieve privately. She also announced that fans and members of the media could pay their respects on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at their tattoo shop, Craftmanstattoo, in Arnhem. She said no further statements would be made for the time being.
Saunders’ older brother Dean also shared a deeply personal tribute, remembering the bond they shared despite their differences. "My little brother for 43 years,” he wrote, adding that he “would have jumped a bullet for him."
Ben Saunders was born in London to English parents and grew up in Hoorn. He first entered the public eye through the Dutch talent show Alles voor de band: Follow that dream in 2000. He and his brother, Dean, later joined the group Follow That Dream, which split in 2001.
However, Ben's breakthrough moment came in 2011, when he became the first winner of The Voice of Holland. On his first performance, he sang Kings of Leon’s Use Somebody, and all the coaches turned their seats. After winning the competition, he released two albums, You Thought You Knew Me By Now in 2011 and Heart & Soul in 2012.
In later years, however, Saunders faced several financial setbacks and health problems, including issues related to hernias. He had also been in the headlines for legal troubles and other incidents. Earlier this year, he spoke about wanting to continue singing and performing despite his career setbacks.
Police confirmed that Saunders' body was recovered from Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a recreational lake near Arnhem, and said they had ruled out foul play.
Our heartfelt condolences to Janita, Ben, and the kids as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Image courtesy: Ben Saunders/Instagram, Janita Engels/Instagram
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