A lifeguard and surf instructor who appeared in films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Blue Crush tragically passed away Sunday after a suspected shark attack on Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, authorities have confirmed.
Tamayo Perry, 49, was a well-respected figure in the North Shore surfing community and had served with Honolulu Ocean Safety for eight years, according to a statement from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of one of our devoted City and County of Honolulu lifeguards, who tragically lost his life today in what appears to have been a shark attack on the North Shore,” Blangiardi said. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues in Ocean Safety during this incredibly difficult time.”
Mayor Blangiardi continued, highlighting Perry’s commitment to the community: “Tamayo exemplified bravery, dedication, and a profound sense of duty. His heroic actions and tireless efforts to keep our residents and visitors safe will always be remembered.”
According to a statement from the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, the surfer was “fatally injured” by a shark off Goat Island on June 23 around 1 p.m. local time.
The caller who contacted emergency services reported that the surfer had multiple bite marks on his body. Lifeguards brought him ashore via Jet Ski, and paramedics declared him dead at the scene. His identity was confirmed as Perry by Ocean Safety.
At a press conference, Acting Chief Kurt Lager of Honolulu Ocean Safety described Perry as “a lifeguard loved by all.”
Emilia Perry, his wife, shared an emotional tribute, saying, “While his passing is tragic, he left this world doing what he loved, in the place he loved.”
Surfer magazine reported that Perry was well-known for his skill at Pipeline, one of the world’s most iconic surf breaks located at Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s north shore.
According to the Encyclopedia of Surfing, Perry was close friends with musician Jack Johnson and had grown up on the east side of Oahu.
Perry and his wife ran a surf school on Oahu’s North Shore together. On Monday, the surfing community offered an outpouring of condolences.
“This one is hard to believe,” wrote legendary surfer Kelly Slater. “You truly lived the life you loved.”