What Really Happened to Craig Tester from The Curse of Oak Island
An Emotional Journey of Strength, Loss, and Legacy
Introduction: A Quiet Force Behind the Treasure Hunt
Dear friends,
The Curse of Oak Island is a thrilling documentary series that follows brothers Rick and Marty Lagina as they hunt for legendary treasure buried deep within Oak Island, Nova Scotia. But among the many determined faces on this epic quest, one man stands out—not for showmanship, but for quiet strength: Craig Tester.
Craig isn’t just an engineer or producer. He’s part-owner of Oak Island itself and a cornerstone of the team’s enduring efforts. Today, let’s explore what really happened to Craig Tester—one of the most respected figures in The Curse of Oak Island legacy.
Early Life: From Wrestling Dreams to Engineering Genius
Craig Tester was born on February 16, 1961, in Michigan, USA. Standing at 5’8” and weighing about 69 kg, Craig’s calm presence, graying hair, and deep brown eyes reflect a life filled with wisdom and experience.
In his youth, Craig had dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. He wasn’t just passionate—he was talented, competing in numerous matches and earning respect for his determination. But fate had other plans.
Instead of the wrestling ring, Craig chose the path of engineering, a decision that would forever alter his destiny.
A Lifelong Bond with Marty Lagina
During college, Craig roomed with none other than Marty Lagina—a connection that would later evolve into a powerful business partnership.
Together, they built successful ventures in the oil and energy sector, using Craig’s engineering expertise to carve out financial success. Later, they co-founded Heritage Sustainable Energy, a leader in Michigan’s renewable energy industry.
This strong business foundation would eventually lead them both to Oak Island.
Joining The Curse of Oak Island
When the opportunity arose to join the Oak Island treasure hunt, Craig brought more than enthusiasm—he brought knowledge. His background in drilling made him an irreplaceable asset in navigating Oak Island’s challenging terrain.
Over time, Craig went from a behind-the-scenes technician to an on-camera producer, helping shape the show’s direction while still solving complex engineering problems on site.
Family Life and Heartbreaking Loss
Craig is married to Rebecca Tester, and their blended family included Rebecca’s children—Jack Begley and Meline Begley—from a previous marriage. Together, Craig and Rebecca welcomed a son, Drake Tester.
Drake appeared in several episodes of The Curse of Oak Island, capturing hearts with his bright personality. But in 2017, tragedy struck. Drake passed away unexpectedly at just 16 years old.
This loss shook Craig and his family to the core. In a tearful episode, Craig opened up:
“I think of him every day… I wish he could be here helping us.”
Following Drake’s passing, Craig made the deeply human decision to step away from the show temporarily to be by his wife’s side back in Traverse City, Michigan.
Resilience, Return, and Ongoing Contributions
Though he reduced his on-screen appearances, Craig never truly left the Oak Island mission. He remains a co-owner of Oak Island Tours Inc. and continues to provide guidance as an advisor, appearing occasionally on the show.
Fans still celebrate every glimpse of Craig—knowing that when he shows up, serious work is underway.
Craig’s Wealth and Business Ventures
As of 2022, Craig Tester’s net worth is estimated at around $8 million. His earnings come from his role as a producer on The Curse of Oak Island (an estimated $80,000 to $150,000 per year) and from his energy ventures.
In 2019, Craig listed his beautiful Michigan mansion for $3.75 million—a 5,048 square foot property with sweeping views of West Bay.
Legacy and Character: A Man of Substance Over Show
Despite everything, Craig remains a private, grounded man. He’s not one for fame or fanfare. Instead, he lets his actions and dedication speak for themselves.
His calm demeanor, engineering brilliance, and unwavering loyalty have made him one of the most admired figures in Oak Island history. His long-standing friendship with Marty Lagina, built on decades of trust and respect, is a cornerstone of their success.
Even though Craig has taken a step back from the limelight, he continues to be a vital part of the mission—one whose influence is deeply felt whether he’s on camera or not.
Conclusion: Craig Tester’s Quiet Legacy
Craig Tester’s story is one of resilience, loyalty, and love. He’s faced unimaginable personal loss, yet continues to support a project larger than life.
Whether the treasure is ever found or not, Craig’s contributions—both emotional and practical—have already made him a legend in the Curse of Oak Island legacy.
He reminds us all that sometimes, the most important treasure is the strength we carry, the people we love, and the legacies we build quietly, day by day.
