Costa Rica arrests 31-year-old woman in death of 66-year-old surfer

Costa Rican authorities have arrested two individuals on suspicion of murdering surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke.

The Judicial Investigation Agency announced the arrests this week following a coordinated operation in Roxana, Pococí. Agents raided three homes during the sweep. The suspects are Van Dyke's girlfriend, a 31-year-old woman with the last name Arroyo, and a 34-year-old man with the last name Gutiérrez.

Van Dyke, 66, was found dead under a bed in his home in Hone Creek, Cahuita, Talamanca, on Feb. 14. According to the Tico Times, the former Santa Cruz resident suffered stab wounds and showed signs of asphyxiation. He owned a hostel in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

When police first arrived, the scene appeared to be a home invasion. Initial reports from SURFER indicated that Van Dyke and Arroyo were confined in a single room by two armed male assailants. Arroyo told police that the men had restrained her with zip ties and stolen valuables. Local news outlets citing police stated that her 2013 Hyundai Elantra was also taken during the incident.

Investigators later located the car undamaged, according to Diario Extra. The discovery prompted a review of the initial account. Authorities now believe Arroyo participated in the murder rather than being a passive victim. Police are still searching for two other men connected to the attack.

The news of Van Dyke's death spread quickly through the international surfing community. He came from a prominent family in the sport. His father, Gene Van Dyke, helped pioneer surfing in Northern California during the 1950s. His mother, Betty, who died in 2021 at age 88, was one of the first female competitive surfing champions in the world.

The case remains active as prosecutors gather evidence from the three raided properties. The Judicial Investigation Agency has not released a formal timeline for court proceedings. Both named suspects are in custody in Costa Rica.