The coastal town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica, usually known for its laid-back vibe and world-class surfing, is reeling after a violent home invasion left a beloved local figure dead. Kurt Van Dyke, a 66-year-old Californian expatriate and pillar of both the local and international surfing community, was brutally murdered in his apartment on the morning of Saturday, February 15, 2026.
According to reports from The San Francisco Chronicle and Surfer Magazine, Van Dyke’s life ended in circumstances that have shocked not only the Costa Rican Caribbean but also the Santa Cruz, California, surf scene from which he hailed. The attack occurred in the Hone Creek, Cahuita area, just a short drive from the Panama border and the famed Salsa Brava break, where Van Dyke was a regular and, according to the New York Post, affectionately dubbed “The King.”
Authorities say that at around 10:50 a.m. local time, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) received a report of a break-in at Van Dyke’s residence. Responding officers found a grisly scene: Van Dyke’s body was discovered under a bed, a sheet covering his head, with multiple stab wounds and clear signs of asphyxiation. A preliminary forensic examination also noted a knife nearby, as reported by The Latin Times.
Van Dyke was not alone at the time of the attack. His 31-year-old girlfriend, identified in local media only by her last name, Arroyo, survived the ordeal. She told investigators she was in the shower when two armed intruders forced their way into the apartment. The assailants, described as men wielding firearms, bound her hands and feet with zip ties, then held both her and Van Dyke in a room for several minutes. The attackers stole valuables, including a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, before fleeing the scene. Security footage reviewed by police later showed the suspects escaping in the stolen car and a second vehicle.
Arroyo was found tied up but, according to police statements cited by NBC Bay Area and Fox News, was not physically harmed beyond the trauma of the event. She managed to provide crucial details about the sequence of events, which have helped authorities piece together the timeline of the crime.
The murder has sent shockwaves through the close-knit communities of Puerto Viejo and the broader surfing world. Roger Sams, president of the Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, told Surfer Magazine and Costa Rica’s La Nación, “We have the Police delegation in Playa Negra, the cantonal, which is the most modern in the country. We are working hand in hand on security issues. It shocks us and hurts us, because the Caribbean has been very calm.” Sams emphasized that “there have been no cases of violence reported like this against tourists. In recent months there has been no violence or assaults. This is an isolated case, he is the owner of a hotel, not a tourist, it has not to do with tourists and the people who come to visit us.”
Indeed, the region is known for its tranquility and hospitality, drawing surfers and travelers from around the globe. Van Dyke himself was a major part of that atmosphere. After moving to Costa Rica in the early 1980s, he became a fixture in the Puerto Viejo community, not just as a surfer but as the owner of Hotel Puerto Viejo. The property welcomed international guests and contributed to the local tourism economy, helping shape the area’s reputation as a peaceful paradise.
The Van Dyke name carries weight far beyond Costa Rica’s shores. Originating from Santa Cruz, California, the family has been part of the surf scene since the 1940s. Kurt’s parents were early figures in Northern California’s surf culture, and the family’s Van Dyke Ranch in Gilroy is known for its orchards. For many, Kurt embodied the spirit of adventure, generosity, and camaraderie that surfing communities cherish. Friends and relatives have taken to social media and the press to mourn his loss, with tributes pouring in from both sides of the Pacific.
Peter Van Dyke, Kurt’s brother, shared with The Chronicle, “My brother was a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody. Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him. Everyone that he met knew this about him.” Another friend, quoted in The Latin Times, wrote, “Some people leave footprints — you left waves.”
The investigation into Van Dyke’s murder remains active. The OIJ has yet to identify or arrest any suspects, but authorities have appealed to the public for information and are reviewing surveillance footage from the area. Police believe robbery was a key motive, given the theft of valuables and the Elantra, but have not ruled out other possibilities. Officers are continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and pursue leads.
The attack has understandably raised concerns among residents and visitors alike. Puerto Viejo and the surrounding towns have long been considered safe, with the rare violent incident making headlines precisely because of its rarity. Local leaders and law enforcement are working to reassure the community and maintain the region’s reputation as a welcoming destination.
For the global surfing community, the loss of Kurt Van Dyke is personal. He was more than just a talented surfer; he was a connector, a mentor, and a friend to many. His life story — from Santa Cruz’s cold waves to the warm Caribbean waters of Costa Rica — is a testament to the bonds that unite surfers across continents. The outpouring of grief and remembrance is a reflection of the impact he had on countless lives.
As the investigation continues, those who knew Kurt Van Dyke are left to grapple with a senseless tragedy that has marred an otherwise peaceful corner of the world. Yet, amid the sorrow, his legacy endures in the waves he surfed, the hotel he built, and the community he helped foster — both in California and Costa Rica.