Tamayo Perry, a popular actor and surfing legend, succumbed to injuries following a shark attack in Oahu, Hawaii, on June 23, 2024. Perry, 49, was recognized for his roles in movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Blue Crush.”
The attack occurred near Goat Island, where Perry was taking a break from his lifeguarding duties. He was discovered near Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore, missing an arm and a leg. Despite an immediate response from emergency services and transportation to the shore by jet ski, Perry was declared dead shortly after.
Kurt Lager, the acting head of Honolulu Ocean Safety, shared his grief and emphasized Perry’s influence on the community, saying, “Tamayo was a lifeguard loved by all. He’s well-known on the North Shore as a professional surfer known worldwide. His charisma was contagious, and while many adored him, his affection for others was even greater.”
Mayor Rick Blangiardi of Honolulu, Hawaii, mirrored Lager’s sentiments, labeling Perry’s death as a “tragic loss” and characterizing him as “a legendary waterman and highly respected.”
Perry’s professional surfing career started early. Born in 1975, he began surfing at the age of 12 and quickly gained recognition in the local surfing scene. By 1997, Perry had honed a unique tube riding style that earned him widespread admiration at the North Shore pipeline. In 1999, his victory at the esteemed Pipeline Masters competition affirmed his standing as a top-tier surfer.
Beyond his achievements in surfing, Perry also had a noteworthy career in acting. His filmography includes appearances in numerous films and TV shows, such as “Lost,” “Hawaii Five-0,” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.’
The fatal shark attack that claimed Perry’s life was the second such incident in Oahu this month, sparking concerns about water safety in the region. In the wake of the attack, ocean safety officials put up shark warning signs in the nearby areas to caution beachgoers.
As a committed lifeguard, professional surfer, and cherished community member, Perry’s legacy will continue to be remembered. His contributions to ocean safety and the world of surfing have left a lasting impact on those who knew him and the wider surfing community.