Lifeguard and Surf Instructor Tamayo Perry Dies in Suspected Shark Attack on Oahu’s North Shore
Tamayo Perry, a lifeguard and surf instructor known for his roles in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Blue Crush, tragically passed away on Sunday following a suspected shark attack on Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, officials have reported.
At 49 years old, Perry was a well-respected figure in the North Shore surfing community and had served with Honolulu Ocean Safety for eight years. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed deep sorrow at Perry’s passing in a statement:
“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,” said Blangiardi. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues in Ocean Safety during this incredibly difficult time.”
Blangiardi praised Perry for his bravery and commitment, noting, “Perry 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.”
The Honolulu Emergency Services Department reported that a surfer was “fatally injured” in a shark attack near Goat Island on June 23, just before 1 p.m. local time.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident when the caller reported multiple bite wounds on the surfer’s body. Lifeguards recovered Perry’s body using a Jet Ski, and EMS paramedics confirmed his death at the scene. Ocean Safety confirmed that the surfer was Tamayo Perry.
Acting Chief Kurt Lager of Honolulu Ocean Safety shared his thoughts at a press conference: “Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all.”
Emilia Perry, a fellow surfer and Perry’s spouse, reflected on his passing: “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 expertise at Pipeline, one of the world’s most famous surf breaks located at Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s North Shore. The Encyclopedia of Surfing notes that he was also a close friend of singer Jack Johnson and was born and raised on Oahu’s east side.
Perry and Emilia ran a surf school together on the North Shore, and on Monday, the surfing community came together to share their condolences.
“This one is hard to believe,” wrote surfing legend Kelly Slater. “You truly lived the life you loved.”
We are deeply saddened by this loss. May Tamayo Perry rest in peace.
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