A beloved lifeguard and surf instructor, known for his appearances in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Blue Crush, tragically passed away on Sunday following a suspected shark attack off Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, officials confirmed.
Tamayo Perry, 49, a revered waterman on the North Shore and an eight-year veteran of Honolulu Ocean Safety, was honored by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a statement.
“With profound sadness, 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 highlighted Perry’s courage and dedication, noting that he “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 the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, the incident occurred near Goat Island just before 1 p.m. on June 23. Perry, who had been surfing, was reported to have sustained multiple bite wounds, and lifeguards brought his body ashore using a Jet Ski. Emergency medical services declared him deceased at the scene.
Acting Chief Kurt Lager of Honolulu Ocean Safety spoke warmly of Perry during a press conference, describing him as a “lifeguard loved by all.”
Emilia Perry, his wife and fellow surfer, shared that although his death was tragic, he “left this world doing what he loved, where he loved to do it.”
Widely respected in the surfing world, Perry was celebrated for his expertise at Pipeline, a renowned surf break off Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s north side, as noted by Surfer magazine. According to the Encyclopedia of Surfing, he was born and raised on Oahu’s east side and was close friends with singer Jack Johnson.
Together, Perry and his wife ran a surf school on Oahu’s North Shore, passing on their love of the ocean to others.
Condolences poured in from the surfing community on Monday. Surfing icon Kelly Slater expressed his grief, saying, “This one is hard to believe. You truly lived the life you loved.”
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
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