The Costa Rican government Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of Dutch Prince Johan Friso, the younger brother of King Willem-Alexander.

Foreign Minister Enrique Castillo said his government sent "the deepest regret" to the people and government of the Netherlands.

After remaining in coma for 18 months, the 44-year-old prince died Monday of complications resulted from brain damage caused by the lack of oxygen.

In February 2012, the prince was buried by an avalanche when he was skiing outside a track in Austrian Alps.