Tamayo Perry, an actor and Hawaiian lifeguard, died in a shark attack while surfing
According to authorities, a lifeguard and surf instructor who also starred in films such as "Blue Crush" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" passed away on Sunday after what seemed to be a shark attack on Ohau, Hawaii's North Shore.
Known for his fearless and daring surfing abilities, 49-year-old Tamayo Perry was slain on Oahu's north coast, where he had worked for Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services for eight years.
According to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Shayne Enright, a call regarding a surfer who had suffered fatal injuries from a shark attack prompted Honolulu Ocean Safety and other emergency personnel to come at a beach just before 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Perry was taken to shore by Honolulu Ocean Safety in a jet ski, where first responders declared him dead.
Perry was a lifeguard who was loved by all, a professional surfer known worldwide, and had a “infectious” personality, Honolulu Ocean Safety acting Chief Kurt Lager said.
"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," Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement.
Blangiardi stated that Perry "exemplified bravery, commitment and a deep sense of duty, serving our community with unwavering dedication."
“As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we are reminded of the inherent risks faced by our lifeguards daily, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their service,” Blangiardi said.
Perry was a specialist in navigating the huge waves at the Banzai Pipeline, a reef break near Ehukai Beach Park. In a biography on Oahu Surfing Experience, where Perry was an instructor, he describes the Pipeline as "the world's deadliest wave."
In Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth movie in the series, Perry played a buccaneer.
In addition, Perry starred in commercials for Coca-Cola and had roles in Lost, Hawaii Five-0, Blue Crush, and the Charlie's Angels sequel Full Throttle.
