Santa Cruz Surfer Killed in Costa Rica Attack

Victim's girlfriend says two armed men broke into their home and killed him.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A 66-year-old Santa Cruz native and well-known local surfer, Kurt Van Dyke, was found dead in his apartment in a popular Costa Rican surf town. According to his girlfriend, two armed men broke into their home, tied her up, and attacked Van Dyke, who was later found to have been suffocated and stabbed several times. The suspects also stole some of the couple's valuables before fleeing.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the tight-knit Santa Cruz surfing community, which is mourning the loss of one of their own. It also raises concerns about safety and crime in Costa Rica's tourist areas, which rely heavily on foreign visitors and expatriates.

The details

Van Dyke's girlfriend told authorities that two armed men broke into their apartment in the Caribbean coastal town where they lived. The intruders tied up the girlfriend and then attacked Van Dyke, leading to his death by suffocation and multiple stab wounds. The suspects also stole some of the couple's belongings before fleeing the scene.

  • Van Dyke was found dead on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Kurt Van Dyke

A 66-year-old Santa Cruz native and well-known local surfer who owned a hotel in a popular Costa Rican surf town.

Van Dyke's girlfriend

The victim's partner who was present during the home invasion and attack.

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What they’re saying

“It's just devastating. Kurt was such an important part of our surfing community back home.”

— Megan Slater, Santa Cruz Resident (Santa Cruz Sentinel)

What’s next

Authorities in Costa Rica are investigating the incident and searching for the two suspects who fled the scene.

The takeaway

This tragic killing highlights the risks that expatriates and tourists can face in certain parts of the world, even in popular vacation destinations. It serves as a somber reminder to exercise caution and be vigilant when traveling abroad.