Authorities in Hawaii have confirmed the tragic death of Tamayo Perry, a well-known lifeguard and surfer who had appeared in “Hawaii Five-O” and a “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequel. He passed away on Sunday from a shark attack while surfing.
According to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the 49-year-old native Hawaiian was attacked on the north shore of Oahu, where he had worked as a lifeguard and ocean safety officer for eight years.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of one of our incredibly dedicated City and County of Honolulu lifeguards, who tragically lost his life today in an apparent 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.”
Blangiardi continued, “Tamayo Perry, an eight-year veteran of Ocean Safety and well-known North Shore waterman, exemplified bravery, commitment, and a deep sense of duty, serving our community with unwavering dedication. His heroic actions and tireless efforts to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors will never be forgotten.”
According to a statement from the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, on June 23, just before 1 p.m. local time, a surfer was “fatally injured” after being attacked by a shark off Goat Island.
The surfer’s body seemed to have been bitten more than once, a caller informed dispatch. Lifeguards brought his body onshore on a Jet Ski, and EMS paramedics declared him dead there. Ocean Safety confirmed that Perry was the surfer.
Acting Chief Kurt Lager of Honolulu Ocean Safety stated at a press conference, “Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all.”
Perry was well-known not only as a lifeguard and surfer but also for his roles in the films “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” “Blue Crush,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” He also starred in the television series “Hawaii Five-O” and “Lost.”
Emilia Perry, a fellow surfer, said of her husband, “Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved, where he loved to do it.”
According to Surfer magazine, Perry was renowned for his skill at Pipeline, one of the most famous surf breaks in the world, located off Ehukai Beach Park on the north side of Oahu.
According to the Encyclopedia of Surfing, he was good friends with singer Jack Johnson and was born and raised on the east side of Oahu. Together, Perry and his spouse operated a surf school on the North Shore of Oahu.
Condolences from the surfing community poured in on Monday. Surfing legend Kelly Slater wrote, “This one is hard to believe. You truly lived the life you loved.” Another Hawaiian surfer, Moana Jones Wong, known as the “Queen of the Pipeline,” wrote on social media, “I will cherish our memories forever.”
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