Costa Rican authorities have shared significant information about the alleged murder of Kurt Van Dyke, a surfer from California known for his prestigious family in the surfing community.
The Office of Judicial Investigation (OIJ) informed local media that Van Dyke was held hostage by at least two armed individuals who entered his residence over the weekend. The suspects restrained both him and his girlfriend in a room for several minutes, during which they stole valuables.
According to officials, “They seem to have killed the man and fled. The woman sustained minor injuries, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Authorities indicated that Van Dyke’s body was recovered from under his bed, covered with a sheet, a knife positioned near his head.
Unfortunately, the circumstances were grim; a California surf icon was reportedly strangled and stabbed during a home invasion.
Van Dyke, 66, was confirmed deceased by authorities on Saturday morning following a call regarding a dead body in the Cahuita area of Talamanca, in the Limon department.
Preliminary findings suggest he died from asphyxiation and suffered multiple stab wounds. The investigation is ongoing.
The body is scheduled for examination at a forensic mortuary to establish the exact cause of death. His brother mentioned that the U.S. embassy is looking into arrangements for repatriating the body.
Van Dyke’s girlfriend, who is 31 years old, was reportedly zip-tied and beaten prior to the intruders stealing various items, including their vehicle.
Peter Van Dyke, Kurt’s brother, expressed he believes there may be more to the story than initially suggested, recalling that he spoke to Kurt just days before and he seemed “fine.”
He acknowledged knowing something about his girlfriend but wasn’t fully aware of her background and indicated that there were people in the vicinity who didn’t have a favorable view of Kurt.
“Some people adored him, while others despised him. There seemed to be a more sinister angle,” he remarked.
Kurt had resided in Costa Rica since the mid-1980s and had formed several business relationships in the area.
