Cops release key new details in brutal slaying of California surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke

Costa Rican authorities have released key details in the alleged murder of Kurt Van Dyke, a native Californian from a prominent surfing family.

Van Dyke was held hostage by at least two individuals after they entered his home over the weekend, the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) told The California Post. The suspects, armed with a firearm, forced the surfer and his girlfriend in a room for several minutes while they stole valuables from the home.

“It appears they killed the man and fled. The woman did not sustain serious injuries; however, the man died at the scene,” authorities told The California Post.

It was approximately 10:50 a.m. in the Cahuita sector of Talamanca, Limón province, when authorities responded to a report on FEN 114 of a man’s death on Saturday.

“The deceased was identified as Van Dyke, 66 years old, and a U.S. citizen,” officials added.

Authorities said the preliminary cause of death appears to be asphyxiation, he was also stabbed several times, the authorities added. The case remains under investigation.

The body was sent to the Forensic Morgue, where the exact cause and manner of death will be determined. According to the victim’s brother, the U.S. embassy is exploring arrangements to repatriate the remains.

Authorities said Van Dyke’s body was found under his bed, covered with a sheet, with a knife placed next to his head. His 31-year-old girlfriend was reportedly zip-tied and beaten before the armed intruders made off with the valuables, including the couple’s car.

His brother, Peter Van Dyke, previously told The Post he suspects there is more to the killing than first reported, adding he had spoken to his younger brother just a few days ago and said he was “in good spirits.”

While he knew of a girlfriend, he didn’t know much about her and warned there were people in the area “who did not like him.”

“There are people who like him and there are people who don’t. It was more nefarious.”

Kurt had several business partners in the region after moving to Costa Rica in the mid-1980s, according to his brother.

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