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Kurt Van Dyke, a 66-year-classic California surfing legend and hotel owner in Costa Rica, was found dead Saturday morning in his apartment in Cahuita, Limón province, following a violent home invasion. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) reported that Van Dyke’s body showed signs of strangulation and stab wounds.
According to the OIJ, two armed men forced their way into Van Dyke’s residence while he was with his 31-year-old girlfriend. The intruders allegedly threatened them with a firearm and held them for several minutes, stealing valuables including a 2013 Hyundai Elantra belonging to the girlfriend. The woman sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries during the attack.
Investigators found Van Dyke’s body under a bed, covered with a sheet, and a knife nearby, according to preliminary reports from Costa Rican outlet CR Hoy. The girlfriend, who was reportedly in the shower when the robbery began, was restrained with gauze during the assault.
Van Dyke, originally from Santa Cruz, California, was a prominent figure in the international surfing community, known for his competitive surfing and efforts to promote the sport in the Caribbean. He had resided in Costa Rica for many years and owned a hostel for surfers in Puerto Viejo.
Peter Van Dyke, Kurt’s brother, described him as “a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody,” adding, “Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him. Everyone that he met knew this about him.”
The surfing community has expressed shock and grief over Van Dyke’s death. Raw Surf, a platform dedicated to surf culture, posted on Instagram that Van Dyke “came from a true surf lineage and built his life around waves, community, and hospitality.” The organization noted the tragedy underscores the risks faced by those traveling for surfing and connection.
Van Dyke’s family has deep roots in California surfing history. His mother, Betty Ann Van Dyke, who passed away in 2021, was described in her obituary as a pioneer of early female surfing, and his father, Gene Van Dyke, was likewise a well-known surfer in Northern California.
The OIJ investigation is ongoing, with authorities searching for the two suspects. Security camera footage reportedly captured the suspects fleeing the scene in two vehicles. No arrests have been made as of Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
