Slain California Surfing Legend's Brother Suspects 'Random Attack' in Costa Rica Killing

Peter Van Dyke believes his brother Kurt, a beloved hotel owner, was the victim of a robbery gone wrong in the Caribbean region.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The brother of slain California surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke believes his sibling was randomly attacked by criminals in his Costa Rica home, rather than the victim of a targeted killing. Peter Van Dyke told the Daily Mail that he can't imagine his brother had any enemies, but warned the killing is "more nefarious" than a simple break-in. Kurt Van Dyke, 66, was stabbed several times by two armed burglars in his Cahuita home on Saturday, with his girlfriend also assaulted. Peter Van Dyke alluded to rising crime and drug trafficking in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, saying criminals are "leaving those countries and going to the neighboring countries where they can operate freely."

Why it matters

The killing of a prominent California surfing figure in Costa Rica has raised concerns about the country's rising crime rates, particularly in the Caribbean region where drug trafficking corridors have fueled a surge in violent incidents targeting both locals and tourists. The case highlights the risks American travelers face in certain parts of Costa Rica, which the U.S. State Department has warned has seen an increase in petty and violent crime affecting visitors.

The details

According to Peter Van Dyke, his brother Kurt, the owner of the Hotel Puerto Viejo for the past four decades, was found with a sheet over his head after being stabbed multiple times by two armed burglars. Kurt's girlfriend was also held at gunpoint and assaulted, with her hands and feet bound with zip-ties before the criminals fled in the couple's car. A knife was found at the scene, but Costa Rican authorities have not made any arrests or determined a motive for the killing.

  • On Saturday, Kurt Van Dyke was killed in his home in Cahuita, Costa Rica.
  • On Tuesday, Kurt's brother Peter spoke to the Daily Mail about the incident.

The players

Kurt Van Dyke

A 66-year-old California surfing legend who owned the Hotel Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica for the past four decades and was beloved by the local community.

Peter Van Dyke

The brother of Kurt Van Dyke who believes his sibling was the victim of a random attack by criminals rather than a targeted killing.

Arroyo

Kurt Van Dyke's 31-year-old girlfriend who was held at gunpoint and assaulted during the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We can't see any reason why this happened other than a random act of violence but we don't know yet, we're waiting.”

— Peter Van Dyke, Brother of Kurt Van Dyke (Daily Mail)

“The Caribbean side is the corridor for drug running, they've been drug running along there for a long time, but it was never as violent as it is now.”

— Peter Van Dyke, Brother of Kurt Van Dyke (Daily Mail)

“I think it was a robbery because crime is pretty much rampant in a lot of areas of that country right now, especially on the Caribbean side.”

— Peter Van Dyke, Brother of Kurt Van Dyke (Daily Mail)

What’s next

Costa Rican authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances behind Kurt Van Dyke's killing, with no arrests made so far.

The takeaway

The brutal murder of a prominent California surfing figure in Costa Rica highlights the growing concerns about rising crime and violence in the country's Caribbean region, which has become a hub for drug trafficking and other illicit activities. The case underscores the risks American travelers face in certain parts of Costa Rica and the need for increased security measures to protect both tourists and local residents.