Legendary surfer found dead at his home in Costa Rica

The surfing world has been shaken by devastating news — a legendary Californian athlete has passed away.

Details: According to the local Judicial Investigation Agency, surfer Kurt Van Dyke was stabbed and strangled in his own home in Costa Rica. His body was discovered on Saturday, February 14.

The assailants reportedly broke into his residence and carried out the murder. After the attack, the robbers fled with several valuables as well as a 2013 Hyundai Elantra belonging to Van Dyke’s girlfriend.

Van Dyke was just seven years old when he first took up surfing and quickly made a name for himself on the Santa Cruz surf scene.

He first traveled to the southern Costa Rican province of Limón in 1983 to ride the waves at Salsa Brava — powerful and often dangerous swells comparable to those found in Hawaii.

Recall: Olympic bronze medalist snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz tragically lost his life after being caught in an avalanche.