Ben Saunders, first-ever winner of ‘The Voice’ franchise, found dead at 43

Ben Saunders, the first-ever winner of "The Voice" franchise, has died at age 43.

Saunders won the debut season of "The Voice of Holland" in 2011, the Dutch singing competition that launched the international franchise and inspired NBC's "The Voice."

The singer was found dead on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at popular recreational lake Rijkerswoerdse Plassen in Elst on the border of Arnhem South in the Netherlands, according to local newspaper De Telegraaf.

Per Dutch News and public broadcaster NOS, Saunders had been reported missing that morning, and his body was recovered at 1:20 p.m. local time as police searched for "a 43-year-old man with a beard and various tattoos," which matches his description.

An official cause of death has not been released, but police said no foul play is suspected, the local outlets said.

USA TODAY reached out to the Netherlands Police for comment.

Shortly after, the musician's brother Dean Saunders confirmed his death in a heartfelt Instagram tribute featuring a photo of them as kids.

"My dear little brother passed away today… I have never experienced pain like what I am feeling right now…. what a terrible day for all of us.. We have to learn to live with…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/