Treasure, Family, and Mystery: The Story of Alex Lagina and His Life on Oak Island
Who Is Alex Lagina? The Engineer Behind Oak Island’s Greatest Mysteries
The Treasure Hunter with a Modern Twist
In The Curse of Oak Island, every discovery tells a story — and among the many figures digging through centuries of legend, Alex Lagina stands out. The son of Marty Lagina and nephew of Rick Lagina, Alex combines the family’s passion for exploration with a modern engineer’s precision.
Since joining the series, Alex has become an essential part of the Oak Island team, using his technical expertise and curiosity to help uncover one of history’s longest-running mysteries: the legendary treasure said to be buried beneath the island’s soil.
A Family Rooted in Discovery
Born in Traverse City, Michigan, in 1987, Alex Lagina grew up surrounded by innovation and adventure. His father, Marty Lagina, is not only a successful businessman and reality TV personality but also a mechanical engineer and vineyard owner. His mother, Margaret Olivia Lagina, holds a geological engineering degree — proving that a love for science runs deep in the Lagina family.
Following in their footsteps, Alex attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 2008.
Today, when he’s not sifting through Oak Island’s centuries-old mud, Alex manages operations at Mari Vineyards, his family’s award-winning winery in Michigan.
From Engineer to Explorer
While engineering may be his background, treasure hunting has become Alex’s calling. His practical knowledge of machinery and structure gives him a unique edge on the show. Whether overseeing drilling operations, analyzing equipment failures, or helping design new excavation strategies, Alex’s input often makes the difference between success and setback.
He’s also a certified diver, a skill that has proven vital when the team explores flooded tunnels, coves, and submerged structures around the island.
Despite being Marty’s son, Alex has carved out his own reputation among fans and crew alike. His level-headed approach and analytical mind have made him a respected problem-solver in a field filled with speculation and legend.
Alex’s Role on The Curse of Oak Island
Since joining The Curse of Oak Island, Alex has become a steady presence both in the field and in the war room. He’s often seen working alongside veteran detectorist Gary Drayton, archaeologist Laird Niven, and researcher Jack Begley.
His contributions go beyond the family legacy — he’s a bridge between traditional treasure-hunting passion and modern science. By blending historical insight with engineering logic, Alex helps the team interpret their finds with accuracy and context.
Key Discoveries with Alex Lagina
Over the years, Alex has been part of several intriguing discoveries that have fueled both excitement and debate among Oak Island fans.
1. The Musket Ball (Season 9, Episode 14)
During an expedition on Lot 32, Alex and Gary Drayton unearthed a musket ball, a small but powerful clue. Gary estimated that the artifact could date anywhere from the late 1500s to the mid-1800s, suggesting centuries of human activity near a possible wharf site.
The find raised new questions: Who fired the shot? Was it a warning, a conflict, or part of something much larger — perhaps even related to the island’s rumored treasure guardians?
2. The Copper Coin (Season 4, Episode 6)
In another memorable dig, Alex joined Gary Drayton and Jack Begley to uncover a copper coin on Lot 6, once owned by former slave and landowner Samuel Ball.
Analysis suggested the coin dated back to the reign of King William III (late 1600s to early 1700s). This discovery marked one of the first confirmed colonial-era artifacts on Oak Island and opened the door to dozens more coin findings in the years that followed.
The Future of Alex Lagina on Oak Island
Though he may not always take center stage, Alex’s presence on The Curse of Oak Island is invaluable. His calm leadership, technical mind, and respect for the island’s history keep the team grounded — even as new discoveries spark more questions than answers.
Fans have come to see Alex not only as “Marty’s son” but as one of the core pillars of the Oak Island team — a new-generation treasure hunter blending science with curiosity.
Final Thoughts
Alex Lagina represents the evolution of treasure hunting — where age-old mysteries meet modern technology. From uncovering musket balls and ancient coins to diving into submerged tunnels, Alex continues to bring a spirit of innovation to a quest that has fascinated explorers for more than two centuries.
As long as the island keeps its secrets, one thing is certain: Alex Lagina will be there, engineering the next great discovery beneath Oak Island’s surface.
