“Pirates of the Caribbean” actor Tamayo Perry, 49, was an eight-year veteran of Honolulu Ocean Safety and a well-respected figure in the North Shore community.
A lifeguard and surf instructor, known for his roles in films like “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Blue Crush,” died on Sunday after a suspected shark attack on Oahu’s North Shore, officials report.
Tamayo Perry, 49, was an eight-year veteran of Honolulu Ocean Safety and a well-respected figure in the North Shore community, stated Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
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“Perry embodied courage, commitment, and a profound sense of duty, serving our community with unwavering dedication. His heroic efforts to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors will be eternally remembered,” Blangiardi remarked.
Tamayo Perry Dies at 49
Around 1 p.m. on Sunday, emergency responders, including Honolulu Ocean Safety, were dispatched to a beach following reports of a surfer fatally injured by a shark, according to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Shayne Enright.
Perry was brought to shore by Honolulu Ocean Safety via jet ski, where he was pronounced dead by first responders.
Kurt Lager, the acting Chief of Honolulu Ocean Safety, described Perry as a beloved lifeguard and world-renowned professional surfer with an “infectious” personality.
“He loved everyone more than they loved him,” Lager said.
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Perry’s IMDb page reveals several TV and film appearances, including “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Charlie’s Angels 2,” “Blue Crush,” and TV shows like “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0.” He also featured in various national and international advertising campaigns.
“When I’m not acting, I’m still quite a character, so there’s always a ton of fun to be had,” Perry wrote on the Oahu Surfing Experience website.
Tamayo Perry’s wife, Emilia Perry, originally from Western Australia, was a professional bodyboarder before moving to Hawaii. She met Tamayo while bodyboarding at Pipeline and later switched to surfing competitively.
“At 18, I came to Hawaii for a competition and met Tamayo. A few years later, I took up surfing, we got married, and there was no turning back,” she shared, adding, “the extensive ocean knowledge Tamayo imparted to me over the years is invaluable.”
According to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File, there were 120 shark bite incidents in 2023. Of the 36 bites in the US, eight occurred in Hawaii, one of which was fatal. Surfers accounted for 42% of bites globally.
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Despite a rise in bites and fatalities last year compared to the previous year, the report suggests these numbers are consistent with recent trends.
The mayor assured that the Honolulu community would support those affected by Tamayo Perry‘s death.
“As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we are reminded of the daily risks faced by our lifeguards, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their service,” Blangiardi said.