American surfer Kurt Van has been found dead following an apparent robbery at his apartment in Cahuita, a coastal community in Costa Rica. He was 66.
Authorities said the incident was reported at about 10:50 am on Saturday after a call was placed about a man discovered dead inside a room. Officers from the Judicial Investigation Agency responded to the scene in the municipality of Talamanca, roughly 105 miles east of the capital, San Jose, and confirmed the death.
According to OIJ spokesperson Carlos Valverde, Van was in the apartment with a woman when two armed men allegedly approached them. Preliminary reports indicate the suspects threatened both victims with a firearm and held them for several minutes while stealing valuables.
Investigators said Van d at the scene. Authorities reported that he was asphyxiated and sustained multiple wounds. The woman who was with him suffered minor injuries that were not considered life threatening.
His body has been transferred to a forensic morgue to determine the exact cause of death. Officials say the case remains under active investigation as authorities work to clarify the circumstances surrounding the ing and identify those responsible.
Originally from Santa Cruz, California, Van was known in international surfing circles for his competitive career and his efforts to promote the sport in the Caribbean region. He also came from a prominent California surfing family with deep roots in the sport.
Tributes have begun to pour in from members of the surfing community, remembering him as a generous and compassionate figure whose presence left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
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