Craig Ainsworth, a former bodyguard to David and Victoria Beckham, has tragically been found dead in Spain after he was reported missing last week.
The 40-year-old, originally from Enfield in north London, served in the Royal Marines and later provided security for some of the world’s most recognisable celebrities, including Tom Holland, Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lawrence, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Between 2013 and 2015, Ainsworth worked closely with the Beckham family while they resided in London’s affluent Holland Park area.
His mother, Sally Ainsworth, confirmed the devastating news via social media over the weekend. She had earlier issued an urgent plea to help locate her son after he posted what appeared to be a final message on Facebook, sparking fears for his welfare.
Spanish authorities had concentrated their search efforts in the regions surrounding Alicante and Barcelona after he was last seen. In a heart-wrenching update, Sally wrote: “Craig has been found. With the greatest sadness the world has lost Craig. He served in Afghanistan and he had PTSD.” She included a poignant photo of her son in uniform, simply adding: “RIP Craig.”
Tributes poured in from friends and members of the public alike. One commenter wrote, “Sending hugs Sally, nothing we say would ease your pain,” echoing the sentiments of many who expressed their condolences and shared memories of Ainsworth’s character and courage.
During his time with the Beckhams, Ainsworth was part of an elite security detail arranged through the prestigious US-based firm Gavin de Becker. Speaking to the press following the release of the Netflix Beckham documentary, Ainsworth spoke positively of the couple, describing David Beckham as “charming” and recalling how Victoria “kept to herself” while spending time with the children or attending to her business interests.
“With the spotlight they have been under, their kids are well-behaved,” he noted at the time. “To have that level of fame and maintain their family unit, they must be doing something right.”
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In order to qualify for the role, Ainsworth reportedly undertook rigorous physical and psychological training. This included being pepper-sprayed, facing an MMA fighter in complete darkness, and enduring a high level of mental resilience tests. He also signed a 50-year non-disclosure agreement, a common requirement when working with high-profile clients.
Though details surrounding the location and circumstances of his death have not yet been confirmed, the tragedy has sparked conversations around the hidden toll of service-related trauma and the need for better support for veterans facing mental health challenges.
Friends and colleagues have remembered Ainsworth not just for his professionalism and discipline, but for his warmth and dedication. “He always had your back,” one former associate said. “You couldn’t ask for a more loyal mate.”
Ainsworth’s passing is the latest in a string of reminders of the invisible scars left on veterans returning from conflict zones. He served in Afghanistan, where he reportedly witnessed harrowing combat, before transitioning into private security work.
Those affected by this story or struggling with mental health are encouraged to seek support. You can contact Samaritans at any time, day or night, by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org, visiting a local branch, or finding resources on the Samaritans website.
As tributes continue to flow, many are calling for greater awareness and action to support those like Craig — heroes whose battles often continue long after the war ends.
May he rest in peace.
