Tamayo Perry, known for his role in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", died in a shark attack near Goat Island on Sunday afternoon. The Honolulu Emergency Medical Service confirmed the tragic news.
Perry, 49, was also a lifeguard and surfing instructor. He went surfing off Mokuauia, near Laie, Hawaii. He was found dead at 1 p.m. Perry had multiple shark bites, according to sources.
A witness called emergency services, reporting a man with shark bites off Malaekahana Beach near Kahuku. Rescuers brought Perry to shore via jet ski, but he died on the scene. Shark warnings were posted in the area following his death.
Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi called Perry's death a "tragic loss." "Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected," he said. The Encyclopedia of Surfing described Perry as a "Pipeline specialist from Oahu's North Shore." Surfing magazine called him "most likely to get the barrel of the year" in 2022.
Perry was born in 1975 and began surfing at 12. He joined the Ocean Safety Department in July 2016. Acting Honolulu Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lage said Perry was a "lifeguard loved by all… He’s well known on the North Shore. He’s a professional surfer known worldwide."
Many in the Hawaiian community shared their condolences on social media. Moana Jones Wong, a professional surfer known as the "Queen of Pipeline," commented, "Love you forever, gonna miss you forever."
Another user wrote, "My condolences, just met him and his wife yesterday, crazy to see this now. Short interaction but such a loving and warm couple."
Besides "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", Perry appeared in films like "Blue Crush", "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle", "Six Days in Paradise", and "The Big Bounce." He will be missed by many.
