Surfing Legend Kurt Van Dyke Killed in Costa Rica Home Invasion

Authorities say intruders broke into Van Dyke's home, tied him and his girlfriend up, and stole valuables before killing him.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Kurt Van Dyke, a renowned Santa Cruz surfing legend who later settled in Costa Rica, was killed during a violent home invasion in Limón province on Saturday. Police said intruders broke into his home, tied him and his girlfriend up, and stole valuables before killing the 66-year-old Van Dyke.

Why it matters

The tragic death of the beloved surfing icon has shocked both his California hometown and the Costa Rican community where he had made his home in recent decades. The home invasion highlights the ongoing challenges of crime and safety faced by expatriates and tourists in parts of Costa Rica.

The details

Authorities in Costa Rica's Limón province said intruders broke into Van Dyke's home on Saturday, tied him and his girlfriend up, and stole valuables before killing him. Van Dyke was found dead under a bed with stab wounds and signs of asphyxiation, while his girlfriend survived the attack.

  • Van Dyke was killed on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • The home invasion took place in Limón province, Costa Rica.

The players

Kurt Van Dyke

A renowned Santa Cruz surfing legend who later settled in Costa Rica and owned a hostel near Salsa Brava.

Peter Van Dyke

Kurt Van Dyke's middle brother, who spoke about the family's shock and grief over the loss.

David Smith

A childhood friend of Kurt Van Dyke who recalled his passion for surfing from a young age.

Roger Sans

A representative of the Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce who expressed sadness and disturbance over the incident.

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What they’re saying

“For all of us, it was a shock that that happened, and we're really sorry for the family and friends and everyone related to him. It's a really sad thing that happened, and it's really disturbing for all of us.”

— Roger Sans, Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce (foxla.com)

“Kurt — he was always there for us. He always had this adventurous nature to him when it came to the ocean. We spent a lot of time exploring the ocean north of Santa Cruz and south.”

— Peter Van Dyke, Kurt Van Dyke's brother (foxla.com)

“Anybody that's ever surfed — it's an addiction. Once you're in the water riding waves, there's no going back.”

— Peter Van Dyke, Kurt Van Dyke's brother (foxla.com)

“Basically, he was the king of Salsa Brava. They would call him the king.”

— David Smith, Kurt Van Dyke's childhood friend (foxla.com)

What’s next

The Van Dyke family has not yet announced plans for a funeral in Costa Rica or memorial services in Santa Cruz or the South Bay.

The takeaway

The tragic death of surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke has devastated both his California hometown and the Costa Rican community where he had made his home, underscoring the ongoing challenges of crime and safety faced by expatriates and tourists in parts of the country.