American surfer Kurt Van Dyke has been found dead after an apparent home invasion in Costa Rica, according to authorities.
The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) of Costa Rica received a report on Saturday morning about the death of Van Dyke, a native of California, 66, according to the Costa Rican outlet CR Hoy.
The initial report indicates that Van Dyke’s body showed signs of strangulation and multiple stab wounds. An autopsy will be performed, according to the Associated Press.
Citing law enforcement, the newspaper reported that two men, armed with at least one gun, threatened Van Dyke and the woman, and stole things from the house and the car. The woman escaped unharmed.
CR Hoy reported on initial findings that the deceased man was found under the bed, with a sheet over his head and a knife next to him.
The woman, who told the newspaper that she was dating Van Dyke, said she was taking a shower when the suspects entered the house.
According to the woman, they tied her hands and feet with gauze and beat her and Van Dyke before driving away with their car.
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The newspaper reported that security camera images show the suspects fleeing in two vehicles. No one has been arrested and the investigation is ongoing.
Van Dyke, owner of a local hotel in Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, was part of a well-known California surfing family. The 2021 obituary of her mother, Betty Van Dyke, described her as part of a pioneering group of early female divers. Her first husband, Gene Van Dyke, was also a well-known diver from Northern California.
Peter Van Dyke, Van Dyke’s brother, told the San Francisco Chronicle that his brother was “a kind, giving person who would help almost anyone.”
“Kurt would never hurt anyone, and he was always there when you needed him. Everyone he met knew this about him,” he added.
Raw Surf, a forum dedicated to the culture of surfing, shared a tribute to Van Dyke on Instagram, writing, “Kurt, originally from Santa Cruz, is from the original surf line and built his life around waves, community, and hospitality. Friends and family describe him as generous, kind, and someone who would help anyone in need. A pillar of the surf community.”
“His girlfriend survived the attack. The authorities are investigating and revealed that this appears to be an independent robbery. News like this shakes the world. We go looking for waves, communication, for peace. And if one of us is taken senselessly, it comes home – no matter where you live,” he added.
“Our thoughts are with Kurt’s family, friends and the Costa Rican surf community at this incredibly difficult time.”
– Via files from the Associated Press
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