A lifeguard and surf instructor, who appeared in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Blue Crush, passed away on Sunday due to a suspected shark attack on Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, as reported by officials.

Tamayo Perry, aged 49, was a well-respected waterman on the North Shore and had been a part of Honolulu Ocean Safety for eight years, according to a statement from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

“It is with deep sorrow that we grieve the loss of one of our exceptionally dedicated City and County of Honolulu lifeguards, who tragically lost his life today in an apparent shark attack on the North Shore,” Blangiardi stated. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues in Ocean Safety during this profoundly challenging time.”

Perry “embodied courage, commitment, and a strong sense of duty, serving our community with steadfast dedication. His heroic deeds and relentless efforts to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors will always be remembered,” Blangiardi further remarked.

The Honolulu Emergency Services Department released a statement indicating that a surfer was “fatally injured” in a shark attack near Goat Island on June 23, shortly before 1 p.m. local time.

The individual who contacted emergency services reported that the surfer’s body exhibited multiple bite wounds.
Lifeguards retrieved his body using a Jet Ski, and EMS paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, according to officials. The surfer was identified as Perry, as confirmed by Ocean Safety.

Acting Chief Kurt Lager of Honolulu Ocean Safety remarked at a press conference, “Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard cherished by everyone.” Emilia Perry, a fellow surfer, reflected on her husband, stating, “Although his passing is tragic, he departed this world while doing what he loved, in the place he loved to do it.”

As reported by Surfer magazine, Perry was well-known for his skills at Pipeline, one of the most famous surf breaks globally, situated off Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s north shore.

The Encyclopedia of Surfing highlights that he was close friends with musician Jack Johnson and was born and raised on the east side of Oahu.

Perry and his wife operated a surf school together on the North Shore of Oahu.
On Monday, messages of condolence flooded in from the surfing community.

“This one is difficult to comprehend,” wrote surfing icon Kelly Slater, “You truly lived the life you loved.”