Surfing Legend Kurt Van Dyke Stabbed To Death In Costa Rica Home Invasion

CAHUITA, COSTA RICA (THECOUNT) — Kurt Eugene Van Dyke, 66, of Santa Cruz, California, was killed in a violent break‑in at his apartment in the Hone Creek sector of Cahuita, Talamanca, on Saturday, according to Costa Rican authorities and local media reports. Investigators were called to the scene at approximately 10:50 a.m. by the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), who found Van Dyke deceased with signs of asphyxiation and multiple stab wounds.

Authorities say two armed suspects entered the apartment Van Dyke shared with his 31‑year-old girlfriend. The intruders allegedly pointed firearms at the pair and confined the woman, reportedly binding her with zip ties. She survived and was found uninjured when police arrived. Investigators said the assailants stole several valuable items from the residence, including a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, before fleeing in two separate vehicles. No arrests have been made.

Van Dyke, a U.S. citizen and longtime expat in Costa Rica, owned Hotel Puerto Viejo, a tourist lodging establishment in the southern Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. He had lived in the region for years and was well-known within the local and international surfing communities, having gained recognition both as a surfer and as a host to travelers visiting the Caribbean coast.

Local authorities and the OIJ confirmed initial investigations are focused on determining motives and identifying the suspects. While the theft of property and the stolen vehicle suggest robbery, investigators are exploring all possible angles. Toxicology results and forensic analysis are pending, and police have urged anyone with information to contact the OIJ as they continue efforts to locate the individuals responsible.

The community of Cahuita and neighboring Puerto Viejo, in the Limón province near the Panama border, is known for its beaches, surf spots, and natural beauty, attracting both international visitors and expats. The sudden and brutal nature of Van Dyke’s death has drawn widespread attention and shock among locals and abroad.

Family members and friends have begun sharing memories of Van Dyke’s life and legacy. Known in surf circles and beyond, he was respected for his involvement in the local community and passion for the sport. Social media posts from acquaintances describe him as a generous and spirited individual whose contributions to the regional surfing and hospitality scene were widely appreciated.

The OIJ continues its investigation, working with local law enforcement and reviewing available witness accounts, security footage, and physical evidence collected at the scene. Authorities have not released specific details regarding any potential suspects, their descriptions or whereabouts, and have not indicated whether one or more weapons were recovered. As the probe unfolds, police have reiterated that information from the public could aid in making arrests.

No official statement has yet been released by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica regarding the incident. The embassy often provides assistance and advisories when U.S. citizens are victims of crimes abroad and may issue additional guidance for travelers as investigations continue.

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