What Really Happened to Rick Lagina from The Curse Of Oak Island: Update on His Health
For over a decade, The Curse of Oak Island has captivated viewers around the world, offering a gripping journey into the heart of one of the most enduring legends in treasure hunting. At the core of this saga stands Rick Lagina—quiet, determined, and relentless in his pursuit of what many would call the impossible: unlocking the mystery of Oak Island. But who is Rick Lagina, the man who has sacrificed so much in the name of a childhood dream?
Rick’s story begins far from the muddy swamps and buried treasures of Oak Island. Born on January 25th, 1952, in Kingsford, Michigan, Rick grew up in a small, tight-knit community where hard work and modest values were paramount. It was here, as a young boy, that Rick first encountered the legend of Oak Island. A Reader’s Digest article on the mysterious island sparked a curiosity in him that would burn for the rest of his life. While many of his peers outgrew their childhood fantasies, Rick never did. This curiosity would eventually lead him to join forces with his brother, Marty, and begin an ambitious treasure hunt on the infamous island in Nova Scotia.
Marty, ever the businessman, was instrumental in helping Rick make the leap from his quiet life as a postal worker to becoming part of one of the world’s most talked-about treasure hunts. For Rick, it was never about gold. It was about truth, history, and the pursuit of answers to questions that had haunted him for decades. But while the treasure hunt captivated fans on television, behind the scenes, Rick’s personal life was as enigmatic as the island itself. Not much is known about his love life—Rick is a deeply private man who has never married or had children. This only fueled rumors, with some speculating about his sexual orientation or personal choices, but one thing is clear: Rick’s heart has always been tied to Oak Island.
Yet, in recent years, fans have begun to wonder about Rick’s health. The show has shown us the relentless physical demands of treasure hunting—long hours in the swamp, battling the elements, and lifting heavy equipment. Over time, health concerns have emerged, particularly after Rick’s diagnosis with Lyme disease, which he contracted on the island. Fortunately, he has recovered after receiving treatment, but the speculation about his health has never fully ceased. Some rumors suggest he’s gravely ill, even dead, but according to credible sources, these are simply myths. Rick’s health may be a topic of concern for fans, but what remains clear is his unwavering dedication to the treasure hunt.
As Rick ages, his role on Oak Island continues to evolve. At 73 years old in 2025, he is still deeply involved in the excavation process, although there are signs that his physicality may slow down in the coming seasons. His determination is palpable, especially during significant breakthroughs on the island. One of the most dramatic moments came in season 12, when the team uncovered a stone pathway under the swamp, leading them to a vault-like structure and proving that Oak Island’s mysteries are not just the stuff of legend. Artifacts such as a rusted crank handle, a colonial iron pipe, and a chest-style handle with Spanish colonial design echoes emerged from the mud—tangible evidence that Oak Island’s secrets are real and older than anyone imagined.
But what happens next? With each passing season, Rick and his team dig deeper into the island’s secrets. The discovery of a vault in season 12 sparked hope, but Rick knows that the final answer may still be years away. As season 13 unfolds, fans are left wondering how Rick will navigate the mounting pressure of age and the increasing uncertainty surrounding the island’s treasure. Will his health continue to hold up? Will the team finally uncover the legendary treasure? Or will Rick’s relentless pursuit end in the same way it began—chasing answers to a mystery that may never fully be solved?
For Rick, it’s never been about the gold. It’s about the journey, the history, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. He may not be the youngest treasure hunter on Oak Island, but his drive, vision, and connection to the island make him irreplaceable. The treasure, if it ever is found, will be a reflection of his tireless pursuit of truth, and the man who never gave up on a childhood dream.
As Rick and his team continue their search in season 13, one thing is certain: Oak Island’s greatest treasure may not be the riches buried beneath the earth, but the legacy of the man who has spent his life chasing it. For fans, Rick Lagina is not just the star of a TV show—he is a symbol of dedication, persistence, and the pursuit of something greater than wealth: the search for answers that could reshape history itself. No matter what happens, Rick will keep searching. He’s a man whose heart will never stop beating for Oak Island, a place that has shaped his life and will continue to do so until the very end.