‘De Mol’ Finalist Michaël Moens Dies at 43
Michaël Moens, the 43-year-old arborist from Grembergen who captured the hearts of Flemish viewers as the runner-up of the popular television show ‘De Mol’ (The Mole) in 2024, has passed away. The news was announced on Sunday, June 14, by broadcaster Play at the explicit request of Moens’ family, who hoped to raise awareness about suicide prevention, according to VRT NWS.
A Beloved Contestant
Moens, a professional tree surgeon who ran his own business “Boomverzorging Moens,” became a household name during Season 12 of ‘De Mol,’ broadcast on Play4. The show, a Flemish adaptation of the Belgian-Dutch format, tasks contestants with working together on challenges to earn money for a collective pot while one contestant — “the Mole” — secretly sabotages their efforts. It has developed a devoted fanbase both in Belgium and internationally, with adaptations including the American version ‘The Mole.’
Known for his warm personality, broad smile, and open-hearted nature, Moens made it to the final alongside Bernard Balcaen (the eventual winner) and Senne van der Zweep. During the show, he spoke candidly about the loss of his two-year-old daughter to a metabolic disease 17 years earlier — a tragedy that resonated deeply with viewers and fellow contestants alike. After the season, winner Bernard Balcaen donated a portion of his prize money to a support fund for children with metabolic diseases in Moens’ daughter’s honor.
Moens leaves behind a 15-year-old son, two stepchildren, and a step-grandchild, as reported by HLN.
The Announcement
Play shared the news via a Facebook statement, writing: “With deep sadness we share that Michaël Moens, finalist of De Mol in 2024, has passed away. Michaël chose to leave life. Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and everyone who held him dear. We ask for respect for their privacy in this difficult period.”
A spokesperson for Play confirmed that the family consciously asked for the cause of death to be disclosed, in the hope of creating awareness around suicide prevention, as detailed by TVvisie.
An Outpouring of Grief
The news prompted an emotional wave of tributes from those who knew him best. Gilles De Coster, the host of ‘De Mol,’ posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Michaël, you dear, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful man. We are completely devastated by your departure. One piece of granite, and granite is forever. Your laugh is too.”
Fellow finalist Senne van der Zweep shared a photo embracing Moens with the simple words: “Big hug, dear friend.” Bernard Balcaen, the winner of the season, called Moens his “favorite boomer” and thanked him for the warmth he radiated. “I never thought our Sicilian sun, which always shone so brightly, would lose its way behind the clouds,” Balcaen wrote. “How I wish I could have driven those clouds away together with you.”
Responsible Reporting
VRT NWS included an editorial note explaining their decision to report the cause of death, noting that their normal policy — following guidelines from the Flemish Expertise Centre for Suicide Prevention — is not to report suicide as a cause. In this case, they made an exception to respect the family’s explicit wish to raise awareness, as confirmed by Showbizzsite.be.
A Legacy of Warmth and Awareness
Moens was described by those who knew him as a man with a broad smile who also experienced deep valleys in his life. A sports and nature enthusiast, he was remembered not only for his television appearance but for the genuine warmth he brought to everyone around him. The tributes from his fellow finalists and the show’s host painted a picture of a man whose kindness and authenticity left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.
His death has reignited conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in Flanders, particularly among men in their 40s — a demographic that remains statistically vulnerable. The family’s courageous decision to speak openly about the cause of death has been widely praised as a meaningful contribution to breaking the stigma surrounding suicide and encouraging others to seek help.
The media’s handling of the story also drew attention. VRT NWS’s transparent editorial note explaining their departure from standard reporting guidelines served as a case study in responsible journalism, demonstrating how ethical considerations can be navigated when the public interest and family wishes align.
For those in need of support, suicide prevention helplines are available 24/7, including the Zelfmoordlijn at 1813 and Tele-Onthaal at 106.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. You are not alone.