American Surfer’s Murder in Costa Rica Raises Concerns

The brother of an American surfer who was murdered in Costa Rica has expressed that the situation is “much worse” than a random burglary.

In a recent chat with the California Post, Peter Van Dyke shared more insights into the tragic death of his brother, Kurt Van Dyke, aged 66, in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Local sources reported that Kurt’s body was discovered under a bed on Saturday, marked by multiple stab wounds and signs indicating suffocation.

His girlfriend, a 31-year-old known only as Arroyo, was assaulted and zip-tied before armed intruders took off with various valuables, including her car.

Peter noted that he believed there was more to this incident than he had initially imagined. He had recently spoken to Kurt, who assured him he was “fine.”

Interestingly, this was the first time Peter learned about Kurt’s girlfriend, and he mentioned that there were individuals back in his brother’s hometown who “didn’t like him.” He remarked, “There are people who love him and people who hate him. It was much worse,” during his conversation with the Post this Monday.

Peter added that Kurt had various business partners in Costa Rica after relocating there in the mid-1980s.

The brothers typically catch up weekly, and Peter had just received reassuring words from Kurt that “everything is under control.”

Kurt, who operated a hotel in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, was found deceased with a sheet covering his head and a knife positioned nearby, as reported locally.

Their girlfriend was reportedly showering when two armed men invaded their home and forced the couple into a room at gunpoint.

Arroyo recounted how the intruders zip-tied her hands and feet, assaulted her, and stole their belongings, including a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, before escaping.

Peter learned of Kurt’s death from his son on Saturday, stating, “We didn’t have much connection to his son or daughter or the community.”

The brothers, who have connections across various locations in California, have been in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica regarding the handling of Kurt’s body.

“Law enforcement hasn’t released anything,” Peter mentioned, also suggesting that there might not be a suspect identified yet. He observed that “Costa Rica is not what it was 15 years ago. There are a lot of murders and thefts.”

Despite the generally safe reputation of the area, the murder has left the local community in shock.

Roger Sams, president of the Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean Tourism Chamber of Commerce, expressed his sadness, stating, “We’ve enjoyed a long period of peace and tranquility. This incident shocks and saddens us.”

Kurt Van Dyke was a well-known figure in both Costa Rica and California. Having run a modest hotel in Puerto Viejo for several decades, he earned a reputation as an exceptional surfer after moving to Costa Rica in the early 1980s to ride the formidable Salsa Brava waves. He was affectionately referred to as “King” among surfers on the Caribbean coast.

Surfing was a family tradition; his father, Gene Van Dyke, was a pioneer in Northern California, and his mother, Betty, was a trailblazer for female surfers in the ’50s and ’60s.

Aside from surfing, the Van Dyke name is deeply embedded in agriculture, with a long-standing ranch near Gilroy famously cultivating apricots and cherries sold at local farmers’ markets.

As reported, Costa Rica has faced persistent security challenges, with a notable increase in violence and crime. As of December 16, 2025, there have already been 833 murders recorded, averaging about 2.4 killings per day.