American surfer Kurt Van Dyke, 66, was found dead in his Costa Rican apartment on February 14 in what authorities describe as an armed robbery. Two armed men entered his Cahuita residence around 10:50 a.m., threatened Van Dyke and a companion with a firearm, stole valuables, then fled. Van Dyke died at the scene from asphyxiation and stab wounds, while the woman suffered minor injuries.

Van Dyke was recognized internationally for his surfing competitions and efforts to promote the sport in the Caribbean region. A Santa Cruz, California native, he came from a prominent surfing family. His mother Betty was among early female surfers, and his brother Peter described him as "benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody," highlighting his positive impact on the surfing community.

Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency continues probing the incident, which occurred about 105 miles east of San Jose in the municipality of Talamanca. Raw Surf, a global media platform dedicated to surf culture, expressed condolences for the tragedy, noting the loss affects both Kurt's family and Costa Rican surfing community. Authorities have not yet identified suspects or recovered stolen property.