In what was reportedly a brutal crime, Kurt Van Dyke, 66, a legendary surfer and hotel owner in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, was allegedly murdered over the weekend during a robbery in his Costa Rica home, per the New York Post. His girlfriend was bound with zip ties and robbed but fortunately survived the attack. According to the outlet, Van Dyke "was found dead under his bed Saturday with a sheet over his head and a knife next to him, local reports say."
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Arroyo, 31, Van Dyke's girlfriend, was in the shower at the time the pair of assailants burst in. Per the Post, she was tied up, assaulted, and some of the couple's belongings were stolen, including a vehicle. The men were reportedly armed at the time.
The Violent Crime That Took Van Dyke's Life Jarred the Community
Van Dyke's killing and his girlfriend's assault shook the community very badly. Per the San Francisco Chronicle, "'I am deeply saddened,' [was the reaction of] Roger Sams, president of Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce...." He reportedly made the remark to a Costa Rican newspaper. La Nacion. Sams' comment probably reflected the feelings of many others upon learning of Van Dyke's untimely death.
Sams added, "We've had a long period of calm and tranquillity....This shocks and saddens us because the Caribbean has been so peaceful."
Van Dyke Made His Name Daringly Riding the Waves
Per the Post, Van Dyke came to Costa Rica years ago from California in search of huge, challenging waves he could surf. He acquired the nickname "King" as a result. The sport of surfing was clearly a vibrant part of his heritage.
Van Dyke's father, Gene, was reportedly a surfing groundbreaker. His mom did the same for women during the 1950s and 1960s, according to the outlet. It's not surprising that Van Dyke successfully followed a similar path.
The Surfing Community Mourns His Passing
A heartfelt tribute to Kurt Van Dyke was posted on the
Facebook page of Raw Surf. The thoughtful message said, "Stories like this shake the surf world. We travel for waves, for connection, for peace. And when one of our own is taken senselessly, it hits home — no matter where you live. Our thoughts are with Kurt's family, friends, and the Costa Rica surf community during this incredibly difficult time. Rest easy, Kurt. May the next one you're riding be endless."
