Tamayo Perry, a beloved lifeguard and actor known for roles in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Blue Crush, tragically passed away on Sunday following a suspected shark attack on Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, officials have confirmed.
Perry, aged 49, was a highly respected figure in the North Shore surfing community and had dedicated eight years to serving with Honolulu Ocean Safety, as announced by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a heartfelt statement.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our dedicated City and County of Honolulu lifeguards, who tragically lost his life today in an apparent shark attack on the North Shore," Mayor Blangiardi expressed. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues in Ocean Safety during this difficult time."
Blangiardi praised Perry for his bravery, commitment, and unwavering sense of duty, emphasizing that his heroic actions and dedication to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors will be remembered forever.
The Honolulu Emergency Services Department confirmed that a surfer had been fatally injured in a shark attack off Goat Island on June 23, shortly before 1 p.m. local time. Lifeguards, using a Jet Ski, successfully brought Perry's body ashore, where EMS paramedics pronounced him deceased at the scene, according to officials.
Honolulu Ocean Safety Acting Chief Kurt Lager described Perry as a universally beloved figure among lifeguards during a press conference, stating, "Tamayo Perry was loved by all."
Emilia Perry, his spouse and a fellow surfer, reflected on her husband's passion for surfing, saying, "Although his passing is tragic, he departed this world doing what he loved, in the place he loved most."
Renowned for his skill at Pipeline, one of the world's most iconic surf spots located off Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu's north side, Perry was also noted in the Encyclopedia of Surfing for his close friendship with musician Jack Johnson and his upbringing on Oahu’s east side.
Together, Perry and his spouse operated a surf school on the North Shore, where they shared their love for surfing with others.
Condolences poured in from the global surfing community on Monday, mourning the loss of Perry. "This news is incredibly hard to accept," wrote surfing legend Kelly Slater. "You truly lived life doing what you loved."
The loss of Tamayo Perry is deeply felt by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Please share this tribute to honor his memory with your loved ones.
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