Arrests in Murder Case of Costa Rica Surfing Legend
Two suspects, including the former girlfriend of surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke, have been arrested in connection with his February murder in Costa Rica.


Costa Rican authorities have arrested two suspects in the February killing of Santa Cruz surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke, including his former girlfriend, who initially told investigators that armed intruders had attacked the couple (SFist). The Judicial Investigation Agency arrested Van Dyke's 31-year-old former girlfriend, identified as Arroyo, and a 34-year-old man identified as Gutiérrez following raids on three homes in Roxana, Pococí, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Both were arrested on suspicion of murder. [1]
Van Dyke, 66, was found dead in his home in Hone Creek, on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, on February 14. His body was discovered underneath a bed with a sheet covering his face. Costa Rican police said he had been strangled and stabbed multiple times (SFist). The initial account of what happened came from Arroyo, who told investigators that two armed men had broken into the couple's apartment, restrained both of them with zip ties, and confined them to a room before attacking Van Dyke and fleeing with valuables. [1]
Van Dyke had lived in Costa Rica since moving there from the United States in the 1980s. He owned Hotel Puerto Viejo, a popular hostel in the beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, near his home in Cahuita (SFist). Originally from Santa Cruz, Van Dyke was part of a prominent Northern California surfing family. His father, Gene Van Dyke, was among the pioneers of surfing in the region during the 1950s, while his mother, Betty, was one of the world's early female competitive surfing champions. [1]
Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency arrested Van Dyke's 31-year-old former girlfriend, identified by authorities only as Arroyo, and a 34-year-old man identified as Gutiérrez following raids on three homes in Roxana, Pococí (SFist). Both were arrested on suspicion of murder. Investigators are reportedly still looking for two additional men in connection with the killing. [1]
Advertisement
Van Dyke, 66, was found dead in his home in Hone Creek, on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, on February 14. His body was discovered underneath a bed with a sheet covering his face. Costa Rican police said he had been strangled and stabbed multiple times (SFist). [1]
The initial account of what happened came from Arroyo, who told investigators that two armed men had broken into the couple's apartment, restrained both of them with zip ties, and confined them to a room before attacking Van Dyke and fleeing with valuables (SFist). According to the Times, her car, which was initially reported stolen, was later recovered undamaged. [1]
Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency arrested Van Dyke's 31-year-old former girlfriend, identified as Arroyo, and a 34-year-old man identified as Gutiérrez following raids on three homes in Roxana, Pococí (SFist). Both were arrested on suspicion of murder. Investigators are reportedly still looking for two additional men in connection with the killing. [1]
Van Dyke, 66, was found dead in his home in Hone Creek, on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, on February 14. His body was discovered underneath a bed with a sheet covering his face. Costa Rican police said he had been strangled and stabbed multiple times. [1]
Advertisement
The initial account of what happened came from Arroyo, who told investigators that two armed men had broken into the couple's apartment, restrained both of them with zip ties, and confined them to a room before attacking Van Dyke and fleeing with valuables. According to the Times, her car, which was initially reported stolen, was later recovered undamaged. [1]
Costa Rican authorities have arrested two suspects in the February killing of Santa Cruz surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke, including his former girlfriend, who initially told investigators that armed intruders had attacked the couple (SFist). The Judicial Investigation Agency arrested Van Dyke's 31-year-old former girlfriend, identified as Arroyo, and a 34-year-old man identified as Gutiérrez following raids on three homes in Roxana, Pococí (SFist). Both were arrested on suspicion of murder, though investigators are still looking for two additional men in connection with the killing (SFist). [1]
Van Dyke, 66, was found dead in his home in Hone Creek, on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, on February 14. His body was discovered underneath a bed with a sheet covering his face. Costa Rican police said he had been strangled and stabbed multiple times (SFist). The initial account of what happened came from Arroyo, who told investigators that two armed men had broken into the couple's apartment, restrained both of them with zip ties, and confined them to a room before attacking Van Dyke and fleeing with valuables (SFist). [1]
According to the Times, her car, which was initially reported stolen, was later recovered undamaged. Van Dyke had lived in Costa Rica since moving there from the United States in the 1980s. He owned Hotel Puerto Viejo, a popular hostel in the beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, near his home in Cahuita (SFist). [1]
Advertisement
The Cali Reporter newsletter
The stories worth your time.
California, the country, and what comes next. Join our free newsletter for reporting that keeps you informed.
More in San Francisco
- Documentary Explores the Discovery of Lesbian Seagulls and Its Impact on LGBTQ+ History
A new documentary, 'Love Birds,' delves into the scientific discovery of lesbian seagull pairs in the 1970s and its broader implications for LGBTQ+ history and representation in nature films.
- Lower Haight Parklet Removal Sparks Community Division
The removal of a community-built parklet in the Lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco has ignited debate among residents, raising questions about public safety, neighborhood management, and the challenges of…
- Bayview Black Women Family Homes in San Francisco
The San Francisco Standard reports on the challenges and significance of Black families maintaining their homes in the Bayview neighborhood, highlighting the stories of Cyn Babalola, Jeanette Wright, and others who are…