Surfing legend and actor Tamayo Perry died following a shark attack off Oahu, Hawaii on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Perry, 49, was known for his roles in films such as “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Blue Crush.”
Perry was attacked near Goat Island while taking a break from his lifeguard duties. He was found off Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore with severe injuries to his arm and leg. Paramedics and emergency services rushed to the scene and brought him to shore via jet ski, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Kurt Lager, acting chief of Honolulu Ocean Safety, expressed his condolences and highlighted Perry’s impact on the community: “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 echoed Lager’s sentiments, describing Perry’s death as a “tragic loss” and calling him “a legendary waterman and highly respected.”
Perry’s surfing career began at a young age. Born in 1975, he started surfing at 12 and quickly made a name for himself in the local surfing community. By 1997, he had developed a distinctive tube riding style, earning admiration for his skills at the North Shore pipeline. In 1999, Perry won the prestigious Pipeline Masters competition, solidifying his status as a top surfer.
In addition to his surfing achievements, Perry had a brief but notable acting career. He appeared in several films and television shows, including “Lost,” “Hawaii Five-0,” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”
Perry’s legacy as a dedicated lifeguard, professional surfer, and beloved community member will be remembered by many. His contributions to ocean safety and the surfing world have made an indelible mark on everyone who knew him and the broader surfing community.
