California Surfer Murdered in Costa Rica Home Invasion

Kurt Van Dyke's son's haunting words after his father's death spark concerns of foul play

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Kurt Van Dyke, a 66-year-old California surfer, was found murdered in his home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica on Saturday morning. Two armed men had stormed his property, tied up his girlfriend, and escaped with valuables including their car. Van Dyke was discovered under a bed with multiple stab wounds and signs of suffocation. His oldest son, who owns a bubble tea business in the country, broke the news to a childhood friend, saying: "Well, someone murdered my father." Van Dyke's brother believes the killing was "more nefarious" than a random break-in, as Van Dyke had business partners in the region and some people "did not like him."

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the risks and vulnerabilities that expatriates can face when living abroad, even in seemingly idyllic locations. It also raises questions about the safety and security measures in place for foreign nationals residing in Costa Rica, as well as the potential for targeted violence against certain individuals. The case will likely prompt increased scrutiny of crime rates and law enforcement responses in the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca area.

The details

According to reports, two armed men stormed Van Dyke's property, tied up his 31-year-old girlfriend Arroyo, and escaped with valuables including their car. Van Dyke was found under a bed in the house with multiple stab wounds and signs he had been suffocated. A knife was found next to his head, and a sheet was covering his body. Arroyo was unharmed during the attack.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday morning in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica.
  • Van Dyke's childhood friend Dave Smith revealed more details of the attack in an interview on Monday night.

The players

Kurt Van Dyke

A 66-year-old California surfer who was murdered in his home in Costa Rica.

Arroyo

Van Dyke's 31-year-old girlfriend who was present during the home invasion but unharmed.

Dave Smith

Van Dyke's childhood friend who revealed details of the attack in an interview.

Peter Van Dyke

Kurt Van Dyke's brother, who believes the killing was "more nefarious" than a random break-in.

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What they’re saying

“Well, someone murdered my father.”

— Kurt Van Dyke's son, Bubble tea business owner (KSBW Action News 8)

“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.”

— Dave Smith, Childhood friend (KSBW Action News 8)

What’s next

Kurt's brother Peter is in contact with the US Embassy in Costa Rica regarding the repatriation of Kurt's remains. Authorities in Costa Rica are investigating the incident and searching for the two suspects who carried out the home invasion and murder.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the risks that expatriates can face when living abroad, even in seemingly safe locations. It underscores the importance of robust security measures and law enforcement cooperation to protect foreign nationals, as well as the need for thorough investigations into any suspicious deaths or attacks.