A former bodyguard to David and Victoria Beckham has been found dead in Spain after being reported missing.
Craig Ainsworth, 40, who also worked with stars including Tom Holland, Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lawrence and Arnold Schwarzenegger, was a decorated ex-Royal Marine believed to be struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
His mother, Sally, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a post shared on social media over the weekend.
She had earlier issued an urgent appeal for help in locating her son, revealing that Craig had posted a final goodbye message on Facebook.
Authorities had focused their search efforts in the areas of Alicante and Barcelona.
In an emotional update, Sally wrote: “Craig has been found. With the greatest sadness the world has lost Craig. He served in Afghanistan and he had PTSD.”
He was also a bodyguard to Tom Holland (PA Archive)
She shared a photo of him in uniform, adding simply: “RIP Craig.”
Friends and well-wishers flooded her page with messages of support, one writing: “Sending hugs Sally, nothing we say would ease your pain.”
Originally from Enfield, north London, Ainsworth worked for the Beckhams from 2013 to 2015 while the family lived in Holland Park.
He had joined their security team through the US firm Gavin de Becker.
Speaking after the release of Netflix’s Beckham documentary, Ainsworth described the former footballer as “charming” and said Victoria “kept to herself,” often spending time with their children or working.
“With the spotlight they have been under, their kids are well-behaved. To have that level of fame and maintain their family unit, they must be doing something right,” he said.
To qualify for the high-profile job, Ainsworth underwent intense training, including being pepper-sprayed and facing an MMA fighter in the dark.
He also reportedly signed a strict 50-year non-disclosure agreement before starting work with the family.
At the time of writing, the exact location and circumstances of his death have not been confirmed.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org , visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
