Craig Ainsworth, a former Royal Marine and ex-bodyguard to celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham, Johnny Depp, and Jennifer Lawrence, was found dead in Spain after being reported missing. Aged around 40, Ainsworth had been battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linked to his military service in Afghanistan.
His mother, Sally, confirmed his death on social media, stating, “With the greatest sadness, the world has lost Craig. He served in Afghanistan, and he had PTSD.”
In the days leading up to his death, Ainsworth posted a poignant farewell message on Facebook, expressing his emotional pain and the hardships he faced since the COVID-19 lockdown. He wrote, “I’ve been in the most tremendous pain for the past four years since lockdown destroyed everything I had built.” He also requested no funeral, asking for his ashes to be scattered at sea.
Ainsworth served as head of security for the Beckhams from 2013 to 2015. He had to pass several rigorous tests, including being pepper-sprayed and tackling an MMA fighter in the dark, to join their elite protective team. Reflecting on his time with the family, he mentioned, “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 … .”
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. His passing highlights the ongoing challenges faced by veterans dealing with PTSD and the profound impact of the pandemic on mental health.
