Surfing legend and "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor Tamayo Perry was killed in a shark attack in Hawaii on Sunday. He was 49.
Perry, who worked for Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services for several years, was surfing while taking a break from lifeguard duties at around 1 p.m. Sunday when he was attacked by a shark near Goat Island, off Oahu. A bystander reported seeing a man suffering multiple shark bites, Honolulu's Emergency Services Department said in a statement.
Honolulu Ocean Safety spokesperson Shayne Enright said during a news conference that rescuers responded on jet skis and brought Perry to Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu's North Shore, where he was pronounced dead. Shark warnings were posted in the area after the attack.
We are deeply saddened to share that the surf community lost a beloved icon yesterday. A well-known surfer and lifeguard, Tamayo Perry, passed away after injuries from a shark attack that occurred on the East Side of Oahu.
— World Surf League (@wsl) June 24, 2024
Tamayo was a Pipeline/Teahupo'o specialist, freesurfer,… pic.twitter.com/d4i4Cxjvnl
"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," Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement.
Perry "exemplified bravery, commitment and a deep sense of duty, serving our community with unwavering dedication," Blangiardi said. "His heroic actions and tireless efforts to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors will never be forgotten."
Along with his appearance in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," the award-winning surfer had several other acting credits. Perry also appeared in the films "Blue Crush" and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," and in the TV series "Lost" and "Hawaii Five-0."
Perry is survived by his wife, Emilia.
-With reporting from TMX.
