A former bodyguard to the Beckhams, Craig Ainsworth, has been found dead in Spain, leaving behind a legacy of service and struggle.
His mother, Sally, shared the heartbreaking news over the weekend after a desperate search for her son.
Craig, a former Royal Marine, had been battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for some time, and his mother had previously issued a public appeal after he sent a farewell message on Facebook.
The authorities focused their search on the Alicante and Barcelona areas.
A Final Message and a Desperate Search
Craig Ainsworth, believed to be around 40 years old at the time of his death, had posted a farewell message on his Facebook account just before his disappearance.
In the message, he said, “Goodbye Beautiful People… To live is the rarest thing in the world.
Most people exist, that is all.” He went on to explain the tremendous pain he had been enduring for the past few years, especially since the lockdowns had shattered his life and led to the loss of friends and colleagues.
His message sparked a search effort by his mother and the police.
A Life of Service and Personal Struggles
Craig had served as a bodyguard to high-profile figures like the Beckhams from 2013 to 2015, protecting the family during their time in London.
He had also been involved in high-stakes security operations, safeguarding celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lawrence, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Craig’s journey from being a bullied London lad to a battle-hardened Royal Marine Commando is documented in his biography, The Discombobulated Alpha. Published in October 2023, the book reveals his personal transformation and struggle with the devastating loss of close friends to suicide during the pandemic.
Despite facing these challenges, Craig found purpose in coaching others to build resilience, focusing on mental health and personal growth.
He founded Virtuous Savage, a community aimed at helping people overcome limiting beliefs and unlock their potential.
Craig’s efforts to help others were a testament to his strength, even as he faced his own internal battles.
A Desperate Call for Help and a Community in Mourning
Craig’s mother confirmed his passing through a social media post, expressing her sorrow: “With the greatest sadness the world has lost Craig.
He served in Afghanistan and he had PTSD.” The online tributes have poured in from across the globe.
Professor Linda Duffy from Middlesex University shared her condolences, remembering Craig as “a brave Royal Marine,” and others expressed their support for the grieving family during this tragic time.
Though the circumstances surrounding Craig’s death remain unclear, his contributions to those around him and his efforts to help others will be remembered.
His death serves as a reminder of the struggles many face, even those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Craig’s legacy will continue through the people he helped, both in his military career and his post-service work with Virtuous Savage.
