Kurt Van Dyke, a notable figure in the Californian surfing community, was discovered dead in his home in Cahuita, Costa Rica, on February 14. The 66-year-old had lived in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica for several decades and was regarded as a key member of the local Puerto Viejo community. The circumstances surrounding his death suggest that he was the victim of a violent assault as the local authorities, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), treat the case as a suspected homicide linked to a robbery gone wrong.

The OIJ reported that they received a call just before 11 AM about an unresponsive man in a bedroom. Investigators arrived at the scene to find Van Dyke deceased, prompting an immediate investigation to ascertain the details of the incident. Authorities have begun the process of identifying potential suspects and gathering more information about the series of events that led to this tragic outcome, which further amplifies concerns about safety in the area.

This event has significant implications not only for the local surf community but also highlights broader issues of crime and safety in Costa Rica, particularly in regions popular with foreigners. As Van Dyke was a cherished figure among local surfers and expats alike, his death marks a painful loss for the community and raises questions about the security measures in place to protect residents and tourists in the region.