A former bodyguard to David and Victoria Beckham has been found dead following a massive police search in Spain. Ex-Royal Marine Craig 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 gut-wrenching 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."
Craig, believed to have been aged 40 when he died, worked for the Beckhams from 2013 to 2015 when they lived in London's Holland Park.
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."
The former Marine, from Enfield, north London, was hired to protect the Beckhams via US security firm Gavin De Becker. He 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. As well as the former England captain and his fashion designer wife, Craig also protected Hollywood A-listers including Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lawrence and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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."
Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023 and his contract expires at the end of 2025Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, left, stands with co-owner David BeckhamLionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer at age 35 was a curveball that rocked the soccer world. After an unparalleled career at Barcelona-where he shattered records with 672 goals, won 10 La Liga crowns, and lifted four Champions League ti...
The Love Island alum, 34, was in the California desert for the annual music and arts festival, where she donned an outfit she designed herself.Maura Higgins wore a custom cowgirl outfit at CoachellaThe star showed off her incredible figure in the barely there ensembleShe posed for a series of photos posted to her Instagram that showed off her barely-there outfit, including brown, suede bikini bott...
The reality star, 28, got engaged to West Ham footballer Jarrod last July.Dani Dyer shared a peek into her lavish hen doDani and Jarrod got engaged last JulyShe could be seen dancing with former Love Island co-star Georgia SteelAhead of the nuptials, Dani took to Instagram to share a peek into her lavish hen do.The clip showed her dancing with former Love Island co-star Georgia Steel, while younge...
Hairstylist Hayden Riley James has swung the spotlight off the Spaniard's creak-leak mishap at the Masters.Hayden Riley James shared glam pics and loving wordsHayden has been having a blast at AugustaHer online admirers called her 'the most gorgeous'Fans have gone crazy for "proud" Hayden's glamorous photos and supportive words on Instagram.Amateur player Ballester earned plenty of unexpected focu...
The Israeli model, 27, is wife of the Spanish club’s Belgian international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 32.Mishel Gerzig stuns in striped bikini after topping a prestigeous Forbes listThibaut Courtois with stunning wife Mishel GerzigAnd the mum of one has made the annual list of 30 personalities aged under 30 picked by international business publication Forbes.They are chosen for making an i...
The ace used to play for Leyton Orient and Charlton.Madelene Wright plugged her OnlyFans as she put on a busty displayAnd she is now finding fame as a star for Chesham United Women.But Madelene has also entered the world of OnlyFans.It sees her post saucy content online.And fans are often given tasters on social media.Madelene delivered another preview with a raunchy display on Instagram.She posed...
The Love Island host, 30, and Manchester City ace Rúben, 27, have been dating since the end of last year.Maya Jama's romance with footballer Ruben Dias is getting serious after he introduced her to his mum BernadetteMaya posted snaps of her and pals after watching City's 2-2 draw with BrightonA source said: "Maya and Rúben are getting more serious and she has met his mum Bernadette."She ...
FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet is at the centre of a police probe in Brazil - with a girlfriend accusing him of psychological and sexual abuse.The France international has played for Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama since leaving Marseille in 2023.Dimitri Payet is at the centre of a police probe in BrazilLarissa Ferrari is in a relationship with PayetLarissa is a Brazilian lawyer and social m...
GEORGE RUSSELL will not rest until he becomes world champion.And he has Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in his corner — who both know a thing or two about goals.Russell is a friend of Jude Bellingham, who gifted him a bespoke ‘George 63’ Real Madrid shirtThe 27-year-old from Kings Lynn has never been one to be daunted by big reputations.Russell is back in Bahrain this weekend R...
MODEL Pilar Rubio draws the line at moving home after Spanish centre-back partner Sergio Ramos signs with Mexico’s Monterrey.Pals say Pilar, 47, who recently wore a striped dress to launch Selmark Mare’s new swimwear collection, is settled in Madrid and doesn’t want to relocate.Pilar Rubio, 47, stuns in stripes as pals say she’s staying put in MadridPals say Pilar can not '...
- 1 Miron Muslic hailed Plymouth’s spirit after comeback victory
- 2 Ruben Amorim ‘really confident’ in Man U keeper Andre Onana despite Lyon errors
- 3 Mark Robins wants win at Cardiff to galvanise Stoke for Championship run-in
- 4 Daily Laugh - See u soon bro
- 5 Beckham wants De Bruyne to play with Messi
- 6 Enzo Maresca: It’s up to Chelsea fans to decide if they want to back team
- 7 Daily Laugh - EPL Week 31
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Matt Bloomfield hopes Luton’s late leveller at Stoke becomes big survival point
- 10 Beckham's ex-bodyguard found dead after harrowing last Facebook message