Santa Cruz Surfer Kurt Van Dyke Found Murdered in his Costa Rica Home

On Saturday, Feb. 14, famous California surfer Kurt Van Dyke, was found dead. Van Dyke was found murdered after a home invasion in Costa Rica, where he and his girlfriend were staying at the time. Van Dyke was found shoved under his bed, with stab wounds and strangulation marks. 

Van Dyke, 66 years old, was known for being exceptionally talented at surfing, as well as for his involvement in the community. In Costa Rica, he owned Hotel Puerta Viejo, a popular, simple place to stay for many travelling surfers. Van Dyke was also heavily involved in the surfing community; both of his parents were considered monumental in the sport’s rise in popularity. 

Van Dyke is survived by his three kids and two brothers, one of whom is Peter Van Dyke. “My brother was a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody,” said P. Van Dyke in an interview with Newsweek. Kurt Van Dyke’s friend, Dave Smith, has also been a large participant in the investigation and news interviews. Smith told the New York Post, If there is a Steve McQueen of surfing, it would have been Kurt Van Dyke. He just had the swagger. He had the look — ever since he was 13 years old. And he had that softness about him.”

Costa Rica’s Organismo de Investigacíon Judicial reported to Newsweek that officers responded to a call about a home invasion – later, Van Dyke was discovered murdered under his bed, with stab wounds and signs of asphyxiation. Ultimately, forensic evidence found that strangulation was the main cause of death. 

Local police reported that two men entered the household, intending to burglarize it. Preliminary findings found that “at least two armed suspects entered the residence, threatened Van Dyke and a 31-year-old woman who was with him, and held them for several minutes before stealing valuables,” according to Newsweek. “Investigators believe Van Dyke was killed during the incident, and the suspects fled.” 

Since Van Dyke’s death, friends have posted on social media about him, remembering him as a kind, caring individual who had a passion for surfing. “My Brother lost his life not too far from this place, and I’m pissed off and sad. This is how I will always remember him, doing what he loved,” wrote Van Dyke’s long-time friend Garth Seagrave on Facebook. Additionally, many across the surfing community – even those who didn’t know him personally – have taken this time to celebrate his life and reaffirm the bond the worldwide surfing community has.

Van Dyke, a Santa Cruz native, will always be remembered for his fierce love for his sport, as well as his commitment to his community. He was undoubtedly a valuable part of his community in Santa Cruz, as well as the community he centered himself around in Costa Rica. Authorities have yet to release any details regarding the investigation, but it is clear that they have strong leads that could wrap up the case quickly.

Sources: New York Post, NBC, Newsweek