Costa Rican police have arrested the 31-year-old girlfriend of California surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke in connection with his murder, months after she claimed armed intruders broke into their apartment and killed him.
The woman, identified by local media only by her surname, Arroyo, was detained alongside a 34-year-old man named Gutiérrez following a police operation in Roxana, Pococí.
The arrests were announced this week by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), which suspects both individuals of participating in the killing of the 66-year-old surfer.
Police Raid Three Properties in Murder Investigation
According to local broadcaster Teletica, the arrests followed an operation during which investigators searched three properties in Roxana, Pococí.
Authorities have not released the full identities of the two suspects or disclosed further details about their alleged involvement in Van Dyke’s death.
Footage circulated by local media showed a man being escorted towards a vehicle by several armed police officers, with a sheet covering his head.
The investigation centres on the death of Van Dyke, who was discovered dead inside his apartment in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in February.
Girlfriend Previously Claimed Armed Men Broke Into Apartment
Following the discovery of Van Dyke’s body, Arroyo reportedly told investigators that two armed men had entered their beachside apartment while she was taking a shower.
She claimed the intruders held the couple at gunpoint before killing Van Dyke, tying her up and escaping in a vehicle belonging to the property.
The suspects allegedly fled in a 2013 Hyundai Elantra stolen from the premises.
However, months after the incident, Arroyo has now been arrested as part of the investigation into the surfer’s murder.
Van Dyke Was Found With Multiple Injuries
Van Dyke’s body was discovered beneath his bed, with a sheet covering his head.
Reports following the discovery indicated that he had suffered multiple stab wounds and showed signs of asphyxiation.
A knife was also reportedly found beside his body.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from relatives, friends and members of the surfing community who remembered him as a respected figure.
His brother, Peter Van Dyke, described him as a generous man who was always willing to help others.
“Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him,” Peter said.
“Everyone that he met knew this about him.”
Surfing Legend Built a Life in Costa Rica
Van Dyke was born into a prominent surfing family and developed his own reputation in the sport while riding the waves in Santa Cruz, California.
His father, Gene, was a pioneer in the surfing community, while his mother, Betty, helped encourage women’s participation in the sport during the 1950s and 1960s.
He relocated to Costa Rica in 1983 and settled along the Caribbean coast, where he became a familiar presence among surfers attracted to the region’s powerful waves.
Known as the “King” within the watersports community, Van Dyke also owned Hotel Puerto Viejo, a popular establishment he had operated for approximately 40 years.
Tourism Representative Reacts to His Death
Roger Sams, president of Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, expressed sadness over Van Dyke’s killing.
Speaking to Costa Rican newspaper La Nación, Sams said the incident had shocked the community, which he described as having experienced a prolonged period of peace and tranquillity.
He also stressed that the killing involved a hotel owner rather than a tourist.
According to reports, Limón province, where Van Dyke’s apartment and hotel were located, accounts for approximately 25 per cent of homicides recorded in Costa Rica.
Sams maintained that the incident should not be interpreted as a threat to visitors travelling to the region.
Family and Friends Pay Tribute to Late Surfer
Van Dyke’s death also prompted emotional tributes from members of his extended family.
His cousin recalled their close relationship during childhood and early adulthood, describing how they had spent much of their lives together surfing, attending school and sharing experiences.
The cousin said the memorial message was intended to honour Van Dyke and convey condolences to his immediate family and brothers.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency has not provided the full names of the two people arrested or released further details about the ongoing investigation.
