Mel B’s ex-Royal Marine bodyguard, 31, found hanged in full military uniform and medals after PTSD battle
MEL B’S bodyguard was found hanged in his military uniform and medals after suffering from PTSD, an inquest heard.
Ex-Corporal Ashley Nickless, 31, worked for Spice Girl Mel B and the cast of Towie but struggled with PTSD from his time in the forces.
Mel B with Ashley Nickless who described him as ‘one of the family’[/caption] The proud soldier served in the marines for 10 years[/caption] Ashley was discharged in 2017 suffering from PTSD with symptoms[/caption]The proud soldier served in the marines for 10 years and say friends get killed in Afghanistan and was left with shrapnel in his arm.
Ashley was discharged in 2017 suffering from PTSD with symptoms including flashbacks, panic attacks, and nightmares.
The weapons specialist went on to work private security for celebrities and in maritime security in Africa.
In a statement, his family said at the hearing in North Wales: “Ashley was a very popular person with a lot of friends.
“He was a cheeky chap and was held in high regard by the Royal Marines.
“He will be very sadly missed by us all.”
The hearing was told Ashley was found hanged at home in November last year.
He was wearing his full dress uniform and had three notes nearby as well as photos of his family.
The inquest was told he wrote about his problems with PTSD and thanked his family for their support.
Coroner Elizabeth Dudley-Jones said Ashley had intended to take his own life and recorded a conclusion of suicide.
She told his family. “This is a loss of a very good man.
“I just hope that you can all support each other going forward.”
Following his death Mel B said Ashley was “one of the family”.
Former EastEnders star Ross Kemp also paid tribute to the soldier.
He tweeted: “I was so sad to hear of the death of Ashley Nickless.
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“I had the honour of meeting Ash in Afghanistan, he was a fine Royal Marine and a fine man. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
“More needs to done to help ex-service people with mental health issues, particularly those with PTSD.
“We cannot underestimate the help that is needed. If you are suffering or if someone you know is suffering please reach out to charities like @CombatStress who are doing brilliant work.”
Ashley was found hanged at home in November last year[/caption]YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.