Renowned lifeguard, surf instructor, and actor Tamayo Perry, known for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean:

On Stranger Tides and Blue Crush, tragically lost his life on Sunday following a suspected shark attack off Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, officials confirmed.

Perry, 49, was a respected figure in the North Shore surfing community and had served with Honolulu Ocean Safety for eight years.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating,

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of one of our incredibly dedicated City and County of Honolulu lifeguards, who tragically lost his life today in an apparent shark attack on the North Shore.

Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues in Ocean Safety during this incredibly difficult time.”

Blangiardi praised Perry’s unwavering dedication, calling him a man of “bravery, commitment, and a deep sense of duty,” adding that his legacy as a protector of the ocean and the community would never be forgotten.

According to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, Perry was fatally injured in a shark attack near Goat Island on June 23, just before 1 p.m. A witness who called emergency services reported that the surfer’s body bore multiple bite wounds.

Lifeguards retrieved Perry from the water using a Jet Ski, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Honolulu Ocean Safety’s Acting Chief Kurt Lager honored Perry’s legacy, stating, “Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all.”

Perry’s wife, Emilia, also a surfer, shared a heartfelt tribute: “Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved, in the place he loved most.”

A revered figure in the surfing world, Perry was widely recognized for his mastery of Pipeline, one of the most famous and challenging surf breaks in the world, located off Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s North Shore. According to Surfer magazine, his name was synonymous with courage, skill, and an unbreakable connection to the ocean.

The Encyclopedia of Surfing notes that Perry was a close friend of singer Jack Johnson and was born and raised on Oahu’s east side.

Together with his wife, he ran a surf school on the North Shore, sharing his passion for the ocean with countless students and fellow surfers.

On Monday, an outpouring of grief and condolences flooded the surfing community. Surfing legend Kelly Slater expressed his disbelief, writing, “This one is hard to believe.

You truly lived the life you loved.”

Perry’s passing is an immense loss to the community he served so diligently and to the surf world that respected and admired him. May he rest in peace.

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