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Legendary TV and radio presenter Bas Westerweel died in his sleep on Friday, May 15 at the age of 62. The star was found dead in his apartment the day before his 63rd birthday on Saturday, May 16. The news was confirmed by his family who told RTL Boulevard: "Bas was 62 and leaves behind four adult children. As a family, we do not want to answer press questions for the time being, but focus on processing this great loss."

The star had struggled with heart problems in the past, but his death was unexpected. He had suffered a heart attack on the football field in 2017. He was saved by three teammates and an AED (automatic external defibrillator) that was present at the club. After being taken to hospital he underwent five bypass surgeries. This experience led to him becoming an ambassador for the Dutch Heart Foundation Hartstichting.

Two years ago in 2024, he escaped death for a second time when he fainted behind the wheel while driving. "When I came to, I was sitting against the guardrail while cars sped past me. Although I hadn't had a heart attack, they placed an ICD device under my skin at the hospital," he said at the time.

Bas was a huge name on Dutch radio and television. His career began in the late 1980s, when he presented the program Toppop.

He also presented programs such as De sleutels van Fort Boyard, youth show Het Klokhuis, and for a time Koffietijd , alongside Loretta Schrijver.

On the radio he could be heard on Hilversum 3 and Radio 3, the predecessors of the current NPO 3FM where he presented the program Arbeidsvitaminen.

He found a whole new generation of fans thanks to his voice acting work. He was heard as the Dutch voice of the villain Plankton in the children's series SpongeBob SquarePants. He also lent his voice to characters in Totally Spies and The Smurfs.

In 1998 he married Dutch actress and singer Babette van Veen in 1998 and they had two sons together before divorcing in 2010. He also had two children from a previous marriage.

Tributes flooded in for the star as fans learnt the sad news. "How terrible, it gives me goosebumps. Wishing so much strength to the people around him," one wrote on Facebook. "Way too young. Terrible for the children and other relatives. And for himself. He already had heart problems, so the care system couldn't help him (in time)," another added.

A third chimed in: "My condolences, and wishing all family and loved ones lots of strength and support in the time ahead." A fourth lamented: "Terrible news. My condolences and strength to everyone who loved him." A fifth shared: "This shocks me. He was an icon from my childhood, when he hosted Fort Boyard and the children's program Alles Kits. Wishing the bereaved much strength!" Meanwhile a sixth simply penned: "Gosh, how sad... Strength to all family and friends. Rest in peace, Bas."