Pirates of the Caribbean actor killed in shark attack
Actor Tamayo Perry passed away at age 48 on Sunday after suffering shark bites
The surf world is in mourning as the news of Pirates of the Caribbean star, lifeguard, and surfing instructor Tamayo Perry's death swept over Hawaii.
The 49-year-old actor, who also starred in Blue Crush and Charlie's Angels" Full Throttle, suffered a fatal shark attack near Goat Island on Sunday afternoon, Honolulu Emergency Medical Service announced.
The renowned surfer has reportedly taken off to surf off Mokuauia, near Laie, Hawaii. He was later found dead at 1 pm, sources confirmed. A caller reported the incident, claiming they had seen a man suffering from apparent shark bites off Malaekahana Beach near Kahuku. Perry's body appeared to have been afflicted with more than one shark bite.
Thereafter, emergency services arrived on Malaekahana Beach just before 1 pm. Rescuers came to the Ocean Safety lifeguard's aid and brought him to the shore via jet ski while paramedics assisted with the death pronouncement. Perry reportedly died on the scene.
According to Hawaii News Now, Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi identified the legendary surfer and called his death a "tragic loss": "Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected."
Encyclopedia of Surfing describes Perry as a "Hard-charging, God-fearing Pipeline specialist from Oahu's North Shore," whereas Surfing magazine labelled him "most likely to get the barrel of the year" in 2022. Born in 1975, the much-celebrated personality began surfing at 12. He started working with the Ocean Safety Department in July 2016, said Shayne Enright, of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.
Acting Honolulu Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lage said he was a "lifeguard loved by all… He's well known on the North Shore. He's a professional surfer known worldwide.
The local Hawaiian community also flocked to Hawaii News Now's latest posts dedicated to Perry.
Someone wrote, "Rest Easy Tamayo. Never forget you trying to teach me how to drive. 12 years old. Hauula shopping centre parking lot. Pas shotgun. All laughs!! Time is fleeting. Love to your ohana!"