You Won’t Believe Why Craig Tester From Oak Island Got Forced To Leave The Show

The Mysterious Disappearance of Craig Tester: The Man Behind Oak Island’s Treasure Hunt

The legend of Oak Island has captivated audiences for years with its tales of hidden treasure, secret curses, and the quest for riches. But what about the people behind the scenes, like Craig Tester, who became a key figure in the hit reality TV show The Curse of Oak Island? His sudden disappearance from the show left fans shocked, and while the show continued, the absence of one of its most prominent faces raised questions. What forced him to step away, and why did the other team members remain silent?

Craig Tester’s departure sparked widespread speculation. As a part-owner of Oak Island, Tester wasn’t just another treasure hunter—he was an integral figure in the operations, bringing both professional expertise and personal history to the show. His long-standing connection to Marty Lagina, dating back to their college days, added layers of intrigue. Together, they had pursued the mystery of Oak Island, but what personal tragedy led Craig to leave everything behind so abruptly?

The Real Craig Tester

Born on February 16th, 1961, in Michigan, Craig Tester is known for more than just his role on Oak Island. Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 69 kg, Tester carries himself with an air of quiet intensity. His background as a former wrestler adds an intriguing layer to his personality, one that The Curse of Oak Island often played up. His physical presence on the show, combined with his deep involvement in the search for treasure, led many to believe that he was always on the verge of revealing something big. But as time passed, the excitement seemed to wane. Despite his prominence on screen, much of his time was spent digging, moving dirt, and pointing out what appeared to be “clues” that led nowhere.

Although Craig Tester’s backstory was heavily emphasized, with frequent nods to his past as a wrestler and his role in the oil industry, there was often a sense that his storyline was manufactured to keep the audience engaged. With each episode, the stakes grew higher, but the actual discoveries remained elusive. Fans began to wonder whether the treasure was real or just another dramatic hook designed to keep viewers coming back.

Professional Success and Personal Loss

Before Oak Island, Tester had already achieved professional success. His shift from wrestling to the oil industry marked a pivotal career move, enabling him to make a significant amount of money. This experience also made him a valuable asset on the Oak Island team, using his engineering background to contribute both to the physical digs and the logistical operations behind the scenes. Alongside Marty Lagina, Tester co-owned Heritage Sustainable Energy, a company focused on wind and solar energy. Their work in renewable energy was impressive, with wind farms generating enough electricity to power thousands of homes in Michigan. This was a clear demonstration of their ability to spot opportunities and invest wisely.

However, despite these achievements, life threw Craig Tester an unimaginable challenge when he faced the tragic loss of his son, Drake, in 2017. This heartbreak fundamentally changed him, and his grief became too much to carry while continuing to be part of the public spectacle that The Curse of Oak Island had become. He expressed his sorrow openly, saying, “I think of him every day. I wish he could be here helping us.”

Craig’s Retreat and the Battle with Grief

Craig Tester’s grief pulled him away from the limelight and back to his home in Traverse City, Michigan, where he found solace with his wife, Rebecca Tester, and their family. During this time, he took a step back from the show, focusing instead on healing and personal recovery. While the reality show continued to air, Craig’s absence became a symbol of the human side of the treasure hunt—reminding fans that the people involved in these grand adventures have lives and struggles beyond what is shown on TV.

As time went on, Craig’s story evolved. His journey became not just about treasure hunting but also about resilience and recovery from personal loss. Behind the camera, he was a father, husband, and man grappling with intense pain, something that the audience could rarely see. The emotional weight of his loss highlighted the stark reality that, despite the glamorous portrayal of Oak Island, the people involved are not just actors in a scripted drama but real individuals facing real-life tragedies.

Business Success and Luxurious Living

While Craig Tester retreated from the public eye after his son’s death, his financial success continued. By 2023, Craig had amassed a net worth of around $8 million, much of it from his involvement in The Curse of Oak Island and his business ventures. The lucrative nature of the show and his long-standing partnership with Marty Lagina ensured that Craig’s financial future was secure. He raked in between $80,000 and $150,000 annually from his role on the show, which helped fuel his lavish lifestyle. In 2019, he sold his stunning Michigan mansion for $3.75 million, a testament to his success in both treasure hunting and business.

The house, a 5,400-square-foot mansion overlooking West Bay, wasn’t just a luxury property—it symbolized the wealth and success that Craig had achieved over the years. Despite his personal tragedy, Craig maintained a level of comfort and stability that few could ever dream of. His business dealings, both in energy and entertainment, continued to grow, and he remained an influential figure in both realms.

The Ongoing Mystery

Craig Tester’s departure from The Curse of Oak Island is shrouded in mystery, and his story continues to evolve. His sudden exit from the show left fans with unanswered questions about what truly happened behind the scenes. Was it the pain of personal loss that caused him to leave, or was there something more to his departure than meets the eye? What we do know is that Craig Tester’s life, both on and off the screen, is a blend of adventure, business acumen, and personal sacrifice.

His story serves as a reminder that, while treasure hunting on Oak Island may seem like an endless pursuit of gold and riches, the people involved face their own battles, both personal and professional. The treasure they seek may not just be hidden in the soil of Oak Island, but within the resilience and strength they show in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

As of 2023, Craig Tester’s role in Oak Island may have ended, but his story continues to be one of the most intriguing parts of the show. The question remains: Could his sudden disappearance be part of a larger, deeper puzzle still waiting to be uncovered?

What do you think led to Craig Tester’s exit from The Curse of Oak Island? Share your thoughts below, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more intriguing stories and updates.