Surf Legend Brutally Murdered at Home

Kurt Van Dyke, 66, was killed at his home in Costa Rica in a possible robbery attempt. Van Dyke, a Santa Cruz, CA native, and his girlfriend were home at the time. He was not new to the area. He lived in the area for decades.

Armed assailants entered his home and stole valuables during the scuffle, then stabbing ensued, according to several outlets. His cause of death appears to be suffocation. He also had stab wounds. His girlfriend survived the violent encounter.

The reason for the home invasion is unclear, and violence and robberies in Costa Rica can be random. Full disclosure: I had my honeymoon there 20 years ago, and although my spouse and I had a lovely time on the Pacific Coast, one of our guides was robbed at home while she was at work, losing family heirlooms and jewelry.

His Santa Cruz, CA family is shocked and saddened. “My brother was a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody,” his brother, Peter Van Dyke, told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him.”

He Came From a Surfing Family

His parents, Gene Van Dyke and his mother, Betty Van Dyke, both were both leaders in the California surfing scene in the 1950s and 1960s when the sport became more popular across the U.S.

The case is ongoing and no suspects have been arrested. The motive is also unknown. We'll provide updates as we get them.