Former Royal Marine Craig Ainsworth, who worked as a bodyguard for David and Victoria Beckham, has been found dead in Spain after going missing.
The 40-year-old ex-serviceman’s mother confirmed his death in a social media post over the weekend.
Ainsworth, who protected the celebrity couple from 2013 to 2015 when they lived in London’s Holland Park, had been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Afghanistan.
His mother, Sally, had launched an urgent appeal after he posted a “last message on Facebook to say goodbye”.
In an update posted on Saturday, Sally wrote: “Craig has been found. With the greatest sadness the world has lost Craig. He served in Afghanistan and he had PTSD.”
She shared a photo of him in military uniform with the simple caption: “RIP Craig.”
Friends rallied around to offer support to the grieving mother.
One wrote: “Sending hugs Sally, nothing we say would ease your pain.”
The exact location where Ainsworth was found and the circumstances of his death have not yet been revealed.
Sally had previously indicated that police were focusing their search in the Alicante and Barcelona areas.
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In a Facebook post shared on Saturday, Ainsworth wrote that he had been “in the most tremendous pain for the past four years” since lockdown “destroyed everything” he had built.
He added: “I lived the life of ten men. I lived with a pure heart and good intentions. Certainly not a perfect person but I lived life that’s for sure.”
The post also mentioned he did not want a funeral, requesting: “Cremate my body and throw the ashes in the sea.”
Ainsworth founded Virtuous Savage, a community dedicated to helping people overcome mental health struggles.
Beyond his work with the Beckhams, Ainsworth had an impressive career protecting Hollywood A-listers including Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lawrence and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He was hired to protect the Beckhams through US security firm Gavin De Becker.
Before joining the celebrity couple’s security detail, Ainsworth had to sign a 50-year Non Disclosure Agreement.
His biography, The Discombobulated Alpha, published in October 2023, detailed his journey from a “bullied London lad to Royal Marine Commando, to protecting the most famous and hunting the infamous.”
Ainsworth underwent rigorous testing to qualify for his high-profile security role with the Beckhams.
This included being pepper-sprayed in the eyes and tackling an MMA fighter in the dark.
According to reports, he faced these challenging tests as part of his vetting process with Gavin De Becker’s security firm.
In his final Facebook message, Ainsworth reflected on his remarkable life journey. “Imagine a silly boy from Enfield growing up to live a life of such adventure,” he wrote.
His biography noted that during the pandemic, he experienced devastating personal losses, with 11 friends lost to suicide in just 16 months.
Tributes poured in for Ainsworth following the announcement of his death.
Middlesex University professor Linda Duffy wrote: “I’m so sorry for your loss Sally. Condolences to all the family. Thank you for your service Craig. A brave Royal Marine.”
Susannah Washington added: “Sending hugs and you know everyone is thinking of you and sending their love at this devastating time for you.”
In his biography review, Ainsworth was described as a “beacon of hope” who embarked on “an audacious mission to redefine his purpose” after facing personal tragedy.
His life story was characterised as “a rollercoaster of adventure” from his humble beginnings to protecting global celebrities.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person, or go to the Samaritans website.