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 2011 edition of the singing competition, was discovered lifeless in Holland on Tuesday.

First-ever The Voice winner, 43, found dead in lakeThe first-ever winner of The Voice has been found dead in a lake Credit: JamPress First-ever The Voice winner, 43, found dead in lakeBen Saunders has been found dead aged 43 Credit: JamPress

His brother Dean confirmed the death on Instagram after a body was recovered during a search for a missing man on Tuesday.

Police said foul play had been ruled out but did not give a cause of death.

The star’s body was pulled from the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a recreational lake between Arnhem and Elst in the Netherlands, at about 1.20pm.

He had been reported missing that morning.

First-ever The Voice winner, 43, found dead in lakeThe late was found dead in Holland on Tuesday Credit: JamPress First-ever The Voice winner, 43, found dead in lakeThe singer was the first winner of the Dutch show Credit: JamPress

A desperate search was then launched including land and water teams with boats, dogs, divers and a helicopter.

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”.

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.”

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 The Voice in seconds.

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