Tragic Murder of California Surfer in Costa Rica

A longtime friend of a California surfer who was recently murdered in Costa Rica has shared what the victim’s son will always remember about that heartbreaking moment when he learned the news.

Kurt Van Dyke, 66, lost his life during a brutal home invasion early Saturday morning in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, where he resided.

During the incident, two armed assailants entered his home, bound his girlfriend with zip ties, and stole her car along with other possessions. Fortunately, she emerged physically unharmed.

Friend Dave Smith revealed startling information about the attack during an interview. He mentioned that Kurt’s eldest son, who runs a bubble tea business in the area, spoke to him right after the tragedy, simply stating, “Yes, someone killed my father.” Smith’s stunned response was, “Huh.”

Smith elaborated, “I mean, it’s just one of those things that’s hard to believe. Kurt was a well-known surfer around here.”

“Everybody recognized him. He was famous not just locally, but across generations. Even kids knew who he was,” he continued.

“If you had a Steve McQueen of surfing, it would be Kurt Van Dyke. He had that striking presence from when he was 13, mingled with a certain gentleness.”

Kurt was discovered at home with multiple stab wounds and indications of asphyxiation, lying under his bed covered with a sheet, with a knife placed nearby.

His girlfriend, referenced only as Arroyo, 31, was showering when the attack began. She was later restrained and assaulted but reportedly unharmed.

Kurt’s brother expressed to a local outlet that he suspects the murder had more complexities than just a simple burglary. He noted, while he was aware of his brother’s girlfriend, he didn’t know too much about her, cautioning that there were individuals in the area who may have held animosity towards Kurt.

“There were those who adored him, and others who bore hate. It was all much darker than it seemed,” he remarked.

Kurt relocated to Costa Rica in the mid-1980s and had multiple business partnerships within the community, according to his brother.

They kept in touch regularly, and Peter shared that Kurt had reassured him, saying that “everything was under control.” He has also reached out to the U.S. embassy in Costa Rica and has been in contact with Kurt’s family regarding the arrangements for his brother’s remains.