Beckham Family’s Former Bodyguard Found Dead in Spain After Heartbreaking Post

In a heartbreaking development, Craig Ainsworth, a former Royal Marine who once served as bodyguard to David and Victoria Beckham, has been found dead in Spain following a desperate search sparked by a concerning social media post.

The ex-commando’s mother, Sally, confirmed the devastating news in a weekend statement after initially launching an urgent appeal for information about her missing son. “Craig has been found. With the greatest sadness the world has lost Craig,” she wrote, sharing a poignant photo of him in his military uniform with the simple caption: “RIP Craig.”

A Powerful Final Message That Alarmed Loved Ones

The search for the 40-year-old veteran began after he posted what appeared to be a goodbye message on Facebook. In this deeply personal note, Ainsworth revealed the profound struggles he had been facing in recent years.

“For most of you this will come as a shock but I’ve been in the most tremendous pain for the past four years since lockdown destroyed everything I had built,” he wrote candidly. “I lost some genuinely amazing humans I was proud to call friends and colleagues.”

Most devastatingly, Ainsworth disclosed that he had lost “eleven friends… to suicide in just sixteen months” during the pandemic lockdowns—a trauma that clearly weighed heavily on his mind despite his outward resilience.

From Protecting the Beckhams to Inner Battles

Ainsworth, who hailed from Enfield in north London, served the Beckham family from 2013 to 2015 during their time living in London’s exclusive Holland Park. To secure this prestigious position with US security firm Gavin De Becker, he underwent rigorous testing, including being pepper-sprayed and tackling MMA fighters in darkness.

Speaking about his time with the famous family, Ainsworth once shared: “David was charming. Victoria kept to herself, she would be with the kids 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.”

The experienced bodyguard’s impressive client list extended well beyond the Beckhams. He also provided security for Hollywood A-listers including Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lawrence, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even protected Tom Holland and Zendaya.

A Life of Adventure and Accomplishment

In his final message, Ainsworth reflected on his extraordinary journey: “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.”

This sentiment echoed the description of his 2023 autobiography, “The Discombobulated Alpha,” which chronicled his transformation “from bullied London lad to Royal Marine Commando, to protecting the most famous and hunting the infamous.”

Following his military and security career, Ainsworth had found new purpose as the founder of Virtuous Savage, a community dedicated to helping individuals overcome mental health challenges and achieve their potential. As a coach, he focused on helping others “destroy limiting beliefs,” “build resilience under pressure,” and “create bulletproof momentum”—skills he had mastered himself through his remarkable life experiences.

The Hidden Struggles of a Battle-Hardened Marine

Behind Ainsworth’s impressive career and apparent strength lay the invisible wounds of his service. His mother revealed he had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to his time serving in Afghanistan.

The pandemic appears to have intensified these struggles, with Ainsworth describing how lockdown “destroyed everything I had built.” Despite his personal pain, friends and family note that he consistently strived to help others, writing in his final message: “I’ve been in agony but strived to project positivity into the world and help others.”

A Powerful Reminder of Hidden Battles

The tragic loss of Craig Ainsworth serves as a stark reminder that even those who appear strongest—those who have protected others for a living—may be fighting their own invisible battles. His passing highlights the ongoing crisis of mental health challenges facing veterans and the devastating impact the isolation of recent years has had on many.

While the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, the outpouring of condolences online testifies to the impact he had on those who knew him. 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.”

As tributes continue to pour in for the former Marine, his legacy lives on not only in his service to high-profile clients like the Beckhams but in his genuine efforts to help others overcome their own struggles—even as he battled his own.

For those struggling with similar challenges, resources are available. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or via samaritans.org, while CALM offers support at thecalmzone.net.