URGENT UPDATE: Surf legend Kurt Van Dyke, a cherished member of a prominent Santa Cruz surfing family, was brutally killed by armed intruders in his home in Cahuita, Costa Rica, on July 15, 2023. The shocking incident has sent ripples through the local community and the surfing world, as authorities confirm details surrounding this tragic event.
At approximately 11:00 PM local time, two armed assailants broke into Van Dyke’s apartment, where he resided with his 31-year-old girlfriend, identified only as Arroyo. The intruders tied both victims up and confined them to a room for several minutes before assaulting Van Dyke. Local reports indicate that the couple’s valuables were stolen, including one of their vehicles, before the assailants fled the scene.
Van Dyke, 66, was discovered dead under a bed with a sheet covering his head. Authorities confirmed he suffered from asphyxiation and multiple stab wounds, with a knife found next to his body. As a beloved figure in the surfing community, this incident has left friends and family in disbelief.
“My brother was a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody,” stated Peter Van Dyke, Kurt’s brother, in a text to local media. “Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him. Everyone that he met knew this about him.”
Kurt Van Dyke was the owner of the popular Hotel Puerto Viejo in the beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and tourist-friendly environment, the region has typically been safe, with petty crimes being the norm. The shocking nature of this crime has prompted local leaders to voice their concerns.
Roger Sams, president of the Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, expressed the community’s horror, stating, “We are working hand in hand on security issues. It shocks us and hurts us, because the Caribbean has been very calm.” He emphasized that violence of this magnitude is unprecedented in the area, highlighting that “there have been no cases of violence reported like this against tourists.”
The Tico Times reports that gang and drug-related crimes have historically been concentrated in the capital, Puerto Limón, yet recent developments suggest an unsettling spread of organized crime into surrounding regions following the opening of a new port in 2019. Homicides in Puerto Limón account for a staggering 25% of all homicides in Costa Rica, raising alarms about safety in nearby areas.
Born in Santa Cruz to pioneering surf enthusiasts Gene and Betty Van Dyke, Kurt’s love for surfing began at age seven. The Van Dyke family has a deep-rooted connection to the community, having owned the Van Dyke Ranch in Gilroy’s Gavilan Mountains for over 60 years. “Kurt loved the ocean, our farm, animals and his family,” added Peter Van Dyke, reflecting on their cherished memories together.
In a heartfelt tribute, a friend of Kurt’s expressed on social media, “We remember your spirit, your energy, and the light you brought into the lives around you. Some people leave footprints — you left waves.”
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. The local community and the surfing world mourn the loss of a beloved figure whose impact will not be forgotten.
Stay connected for more updates on this developing story.
