The Heartbreaking Tragedy of Craig Tester: A Hidden Hero of The Curse of Oak Island

Dear friends, “The Curse of Oak Island” is a thrilling documentary series that captures the relentless quest of brothers Rick and Marty Lagina as they attempt to uncover the mysteries and treasures said to be buried deep within Oak Island, located in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Among the key figures supporting this exciting mission is none other than Craig Tester, an important character who has not only helped produce the show but also holds ownership of Oak Island itself.

 

Craig Tester was born on February 16, 1961, in Michigan, USA.

Standing at 5’8″ and weighing approximately 69 kg, Craig carries himself with a calm and quiet presence.

His fair skin, distinguished gray hair, and mysterious brown eyes give him an air of wisdom, suggesting a life filled with untold stories.

Long before Oak Island became a part of his destiny, Craig had a deep love for wrestling during his youth.

It wasn’t just a hobby; it was a real passion, so much so that he once dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler.

Craig competed in several wrestling competitions, earning respect for his skills and determination.

However, life had different plans for him.

Instead of pursuing wrestling, Craig turned his attention toward engineering.

During his college days, he roomed with Marty Lagina, a connection that would later transform into a lucrative business partnership.

Craig became a master in the drilling and energy industry, leveraging his engineering expertise to venture into the oil business.

Together with Marty, they built a prosperous enterprise, enjoying significant financial success.

 

When the opportunity arose to join “The Curse of Oak Island,” Craig decided to lend his engineering skills to the search efforts.

His knowledge of drilling proved invaluable during the often frustrating digs across Oak Island.

Over time, Craig transitioned from behind-the-scenes operations to becoming a producer of the reality series, further solidifying his role in its continued success.

Outside of the island and television fame, Craig Tester is also a key figure in Heritage Sustainable Energy, a wind turbine company co-founded with Marty Lagina.

This venture has grown to become one of Michigan’s leading renewable energy businesses.

Craig also has ownership stakes in Oak Island Tours Incorporated, alongside Marty Lagina, Rick Lagina, Dan Blankenship, and Alan J.Kasa.

This ownership grants him a share of the very land where the world’s longest-running treasure hunt continues.

 

On the personal side, Craig Tester is married to Rebecca Tester, and they have built a beautiful life together.

Rebecca had two children, Jack and Meline Begley, from a previous marriage before meeting Craig.

Together, Craig and Rebecca welcomed a son named Drake Tester into their family.

Tragically, in 2017, Drake passed away unexpectedly at the tender age of 16.

This devastating loss rocked Craig and his family to the core.

Drake had even appeared in a few episodes of “The Curse of Oak Island,” charming viewers with his bright spirit and enthusiasm.

Following Drake’s passing, Craig made the heartfelt decision to step away from the show temporarily.

“I think of him every day.

I wish he could be here helping us.

So, it’s been a tough year,” Craig tearfully shared in an emotional episode.

He revealed that he needed to return home to Traverse City, Michigan, to be by his wife Rebecca’s side, explaining that she needed him now more than ever.

Craig’s decision to prioritize his family during this incredibly painful time only deepened fans’ love and respect for him.

Though he pulled back from a full-time role, Craig has remained involved with “The Curse of Oak Island,” appearing occasionally and continuing to support the team and the mission, balancing his love for the project with his family responsibilities.

 

As of 2022, Craig Tester’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million, built through his business ventures alongside Marty Lagina and his work on the show.

It’s believed that Craig can earn between $80,000 and $150,000 per year from his involvement in producing the series.

In November 2019, Craig made headlines when he listed his Michigan mansion for sale at $3.75 million, a sprawling 5,048 square foot property boasting breathtaking views of West Bay.

Today, Craig continues to reside in Traverse City, Michigan, with Rebecca, close to longtime friend and business partner Marty Lagina.

He maintains a strong bond with his stepson Jack Begley, who has also worked alongside him in various business ventures and appeared on “The Curse of Oak Island.

” Despite personal tragedies and tough times, Craig Tester is still remembered for his calm, steady demeanor, and incredible resilience.

Many say that though he appears calm and collected, he’s not someone to be underestimated, still strong enough to stand his ground when necessary.

Craig’s quiet strength, brilliant engineering mind, and unwavering loyalty to his friends and family have left an indelible mark on the Oak Island legacy.

He remains one of the most beloved and respected members of the “Curse of Oak Island” team, a testament to his character both on and off the screen.

Even though Craig Tester has experienced more than his fair share of heartache, he continues to show remarkable resilience.

His decision to step away from the limelight after Drake’s death was deeply respected by fans and colleagues alike.

Many viewers appreciated how the show handled the tragedy, giving Craig and his family the privacy and support they needed.

In a world that often glorifies constant work and fame, Craig’s choice to focus on healing and family spoke volumes about his character.

Craig’s story also highlights the deep friendships that exist among the “Curse of Oak Island” cast.

His bond with Marty Lagina, in particular, runs much deeper than business.

The two men have been close since their college days, and their relationship is built on decades of trust, hard work, and mutual respect.

That friendship has been a cornerstone of many of their successful ventures, both on Oak Island and back home in Michigan.

 

As for his role on “The Curse of Oak Island,” Craig’s contributions have always been more about substance than show.

His expertise in drilling and energy systems has helped the team solve complex problems and overcome technical hurdles that would have stopped less knowledgeable groups in their tracks.

Craig’s calm, methodical approach to the island’s many mysteries has made him an essential member of the treasure-hunting team, even when he isn’t in front of the cameras.

In recent years, Craig has taken on more of an advisory role, stepping back from the day-to-day digging but still offering his valuable insights whenever needed.

Fans still light up when they catch a glimpse of Craig on the show, knowing that his presence means serious work is about to happen.

His reputation for being practical and no-nonsense has made him a fan favorite.

Many believe that if there is ever a real breakthrough on Oak Island, Craig’s steady hand will have played a major part.

Outside of television, Craig Tester has continued to thrive in the business world.

His work with Heritage Sustainable Energy has allowed him to stay connected to his engineering roots while also making a positive impact on the environment.

Craig’s forward-thinking attitude toward renewable energy shows that he’s always looking ahead, willing to embrace new challenges and adapt to changing times—qualities that have also contributed to his success on Oak Island.

Despite everything he has accomplished, Craig remains a humble and private individual.

He rarely seeks out media attention and prefers to let his work speak for itself.

Those who have met him describe him as kind, thoughtful, and incredibly knowledgeable—someone who carries himself with quiet confidence, whether in business, on television, or in his personal life.

 

As the hunt for Oak Island’s elusive treasure continues, so too does Craig Tester’s quiet legacy.

His contributions behind the scenes, his emotional journey through loss and healing, and his unshakable friendship with the Laginas have all left an unforgettable mark on the series.

Whether or not the ultimate treasure is ever found, Craig’s role in the story of Oak Island is already a priceless part of its history.

In a world filled with noise and distractions, Craig’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of family, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity.

As fans continue to follow the adventures on Oak Island, they will undoubtedly carry Craig’s legacy with them, honoring a man who has shown that true strength lies not just in success, but in the ability to rise above life’s challenges with grace and dignity.