The Beckhams’ former bodyguard Craig Ainsworth has been found dead in Spain after he went missing.
Ainsworth, believed to have been aged 40 when he died, worked for David and Victoria Beckham and their family from 2013 to 2015 when they lived in London’s Holland Park.
He also protected Hollywood actors including Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lawrence and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Ex-Royal Marine Ainsworth’s mum Sally revealed the tragic news in a weekend social media post after launching an urgent appeal for information about the missing war veteran.
She went public with her SOS appeal after revealing Craig, who was suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, had ‘posted a last message on Facebook to say goodbye’ and said police were focusing their search for him in Alicante and the Barcelona area.
In an update on Saturday, Sally confirmed the news of his death, saying: ‘Craig has been found.
‘With the greatest sadness the world has lost Craig. He served in Afghanistan and he had PTSD.’
She went on to publish a photo of him in military uniform, saying simply: ‘RIP Craig.’
Friends rallied round to offer her support, with one writing: ‘Sending hugs Sally, nothing we say would ease your pain.’
The former Marine, from Enfield, north London, was hired to protect the Beckhams via US security firm Gavin De Becker.
He spoke about the couple after Netflix series Beckham came out, saying: ‘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.
Ainsworth had to pass tests, including being pepper-sprayed in the eyes and tackling an MMA fighter in the dark. And before joining the Beckhams, he had to sign a 50-year Non Disclosure Agreement – one of 183 newspapers reported at the time he had inked.
It was not immediately clear this morning where exactly he had been found and what the circumstances of his sad passing were.
Middlesex University professor Linda Duffy wrote in an online tribute: ‘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 devestating time for you.’
Need support?
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.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
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