Marty Lagina Breaks His Silence After the Passing of Son Alex Lagina

The world of The Curse of Oak Island has long been defined by perseverance, patience, and the pursuit of truth. But in a deeply emotional moment that transcends the mystery of buried treasure, Marty Lagina has spoken publicly for the first time following the passing of his son, Alex Lagina — a loss that has profoundly affected both the Lagina family and the future direction of the long-running exploration.

In a carefully worded statement released this week, Marty confirmed Alex’s passing and acknowledged the immense grief felt by the family. Speaking with visible emotion, he described his son not only as a colleague in the Oak Island search, but as a deeply principled young man whose curiosity, discipline, and sense of responsibility shaped everything he touched.

“Alex believed in the work,” Marty said. “Not just the idea of treasure, but the importance of understanding history the right way. He cared about doing things carefully, correctly, and honestly.”

Alex Lagina, an engineer educated at the University of Michigan, became involved in the Oak Island project through both family ties and professional expertise. While he rarely sought the spotlight, his influence was constant. Viewers often saw him quietly analysing data, assisting with excavation planning, or advising on technical challenges that defined some of the project’s most complex undertakings.

Behind the scenes, Alex played an even larger role. As an associate producer on The Curse of Oak Island and its companion series, he helped guide the structure and accuracy of the investigation. Those close to the production say Alex acted as a bridge between storytelling and science, ensuring that discoveries were presented responsibly and that speculation never outpaced evidence.

His passing came unexpectedly and has left a noticeable absence on the island. Production sources confirm that filming paused briefly as the team regrouped, with crew members describing a subdued atmosphere unlike anything seen in previous seasons.

Rick Lagina, Alex’s uncle and longtime exploration partner, has remained out of the public eye, but Marty noted that the family has drawn strength from one another. “We’re a close family,” he said. “And right now, that matters more than anything else.”

Alex’s legacy on Oak Island is closely tied to some of the most significant investigations of recent years, including work at Smith’s Cove and ongoing analysis around the Money Pit area. His methodical approach and insistence on precision earned respect not only from his family, but from archaeologists, engineers, and historians who collaborated with the team.

Beyond Oak Island, Alex also held a key leadership role at Mari Vineyards, the family-owned winery in Michigan. Marty described this balance between business, exploration, and family as central to who Alex was. “He never did just one thing,” Marty said. “He built, he learned, and he supported others.”

In recent years, online speculation and unfounded rumours surrounding Alex had circulated widely, often tied to exaggerated interpretations of Oak Island folklore. Marty addressed this directly, urging viewers to separate legend from reality. “The island has its stories,” he said. “But Alex was a real person, with a real life and real values. That’s what deserves to be remembered.”

Looking ahead, Marty confirmed that the Oak Island search will continue, but with a renewed sense of purpose. The work, he said, now carries deeper meaning. “Every decision we make out there will reflect what Alex stood for,” he explained. “Care, integrity, and respect for history.”

As the series moves forward, Alex Lagina’s presence will remain woven into its foundation — not as a myth or symbol, but as a guiding influence shaped by knowledge, humility, and quiet determination. For the Lagina family, the pursuit of truth on Oak Island has become inseparable from honoring the memory of a son whose impact reached far beyond the camera.