What Happened to ‘Curse of Oak Island’s Dave Blankenship? Inside His Injury & Exit From the Show
As The Curse of Oak Island returned with a new season earlier this month, longtime fans immediately noticed something missing — or rather, someone. While the Lagina brothers once again take center stage in Season 13, veteran treasure hunter Dave Blankenship remains absent from the series. His disappearance from the cast has sparked renewed curiosity, especially among viewers who remember the Blankenship family as one of the historical pillars of Oak Island’s modern search.
Though the show never formally addressed his departure, Dave’s absence has a story — and it begins long before cameras started rolling.
A Legacy Built Over 50 Years
Dave Blankenship and his father, Dan Blankenship, were among the earliest serious investigators on Oak Island. Dan dedicated half a century to the treasure hunt, becoming one of the most respected and knowledgeable figures on the island. His commitment, sacrifice, and lifelong pursuit of Oak Island’s mysteries helped preserve the treasure legend for the generation that includes Rick and Marty Lagina today.
Dan passed away in 2019, leaving behind an enormous legacy. Shortly after his death, Dave stepped away from the show — a decision he later explained had less to do with the hunt, and more to do with how his father’s contributions were represented.
Why Dave Quit Oak Island
In a candid interview with The Oak Island Compendium, Dave shared the real reason he parted ways with the series. According to him, he felt the show’s narrative had skipped over his father’s decades of work:
“When the movie (TV) crew went from the Restall [family] to the Laginas and left my dad’s 50 years out, I quit.”
Dave explained that producers preferred presenting his exit as a “retirement,” leading to his final appearance in a Drilling Down episode. But he was clear about his frustration:
“They left dad’s 50 years out… if it wasn’t for him, David Tobias would have quit looking.”
A screenshot of an alleged Facebook comment attributed to Dave echoed the same sentiment, claiming he quit “the night” the show minimized his father’s timeline.
By 2023, Dave stated he had not spoken to the Laginas in two years.
A Life Shaped by Resilience
Longtime viewers may recall Dave’s remarkable personal history. In 1986, he survived a near-fatal workplace accident involving a five-ton air compressor. A snapped crane cable hurled him through a windshield, and the strap of his helmet pinched his carotid artery, triggering a stroke.
Doctors warned he would never walk or talk again.
Dave proved them wrong.
Although the left side of his body remains numb today, he recovered most mobility and continued both physical labor and treasure work for decades. His resilience became one of the most inspiring personal stories ever featured on the show.
Where Is Dave Now?
Dave maintains no social media presence, making his current activities largely private. In his interview, however, he revealed that he and his wife Garnette still plan to live on Oak Island.
“[My house] is paid for,” he said. “I see no reason to sell it. I may buy a house on the mainland and rent this one out for the summers.”
Although he may never return to the show, Dave Blankenship remains part of Oak Island’s heart — a living connection to the era before television crews, before modern equipment, and before worldwide fame.
His story is a reminder that Oak Island’s most enduring treasure may be the people who devoted their lives to its mystery.
