Surfing icon and actor Tamayo Perry, known for his roles in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Blue Crush,” passed away after a shark attack off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii on June 23, 2024. Perry was 49 years old.
The shark attack occurred near Goat Island while Perry was on a break from his lifeguard duties. Severely injured, he was discovered off Mālaekahana Beach on the North Shore of Oahu. Despite the immediate response of paramedics and emergency services, who transported him to shore via jet ski, Perry, who lost a leg and an arm to the shark, was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.
Kurt Lager, the acting chief of Honolulu Ocean Safety, paid tribute to Perry, stating, “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.”
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also expressed his condolences, considering Perry’s death as a “tragic loss” and acknowledging him as “a legendary waterman and highly respected.”
Born in 1975, Perry’s journey into the world of surfing started when he was just 12 years old, quickly gaining recognition within the local surfing community. By 1997, his unique tube riding style had earned him considerable admiration at the North Shore pipeline. Two years later, Perry claimed victory at the esteemed Pipeline Masters competition, further establishing his reputation as one of the top surfers.
Beyond his achievements in the surfing world, Perry also had a successful acting career, appearing in various films and TV shows, which include “Lost,” “Hawaii Five-0,” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”
This incident marks the second fatal shark attack in Oahu this month, sparking concerns about the safety of the area’s waters. Following Perry’s attack, shark warnings were posted in the surrounding regions by ocean safety officials to caution beachgoers.
Tamayo Perry’s legacy as a skilled lifeguard, professional surfer, and cherished member of the community will live on. His contributions to ocean safety and the surfing world have left an unforgettable impact on those who knew him personally and the wider surfing community.
