Yana De Saedeleer, originally from Aalst, died during a trip to Peru. The 29-year-old, known for her participation in the show “The Voice Flanders” in 2016, was found dead in a hotel room. According to preliminary investigations, she died of natural causes.

Yana De Saedeleer had been away in Peru with her boyfriend for two weeks. On Monday, the couple checked into a hotel to spend the night. Tuesday morning, her partner discovered that the young woman hadn't woken up. Alerted, emergency services could only confirm her death.

A probable natural death

The cause of death is still under investigation. An autopsy will be performed, but it has already been established that the young Flemish woman's death was not linked to third-party intervention. In fact, it appears to have been a natural death, possibly due to altitude sickness, as the couple were traveling at high altitude.

Yana first became known when she participated in the show “The Voice Flanders” in 2016. During her blind audition, she surprised the jury with her version of “Wayfaring Stranger”.

After the show, she continued to make music and was notably the singer of the band “The Moores.” Yana also worked as a social worker in Aalst.

The young woman's body will be repatriated to Belgium by her family.

“Immense sadness”

“It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our beloved Yana,” her band said in a Facebook post. “She passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Peru. We are grateful for everything she brought to those around her. We love you so much, Yana. Forever.”

The young woman's colleagues also paid tribute to her. “Yesterday, we received the devastating news of the passing of our wonderful colleague Yana. Our thoughts go out first and foremost to her family and friends. Yana's passing has deeply affected us, the Overkop Aalst team. That's why we're taking some time for ourselves.”