Tamayo Perry, Lifeguard and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Actor, Dies After Apparently Shark Attack in Hawaii

CNN
—

A lifeguard and surf instructor — who also appeared in films like “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Blue Crush” — died Sunday following an apparent shark attack on the North Shore of Oahu , in Hawaii, according to authorities.

Tamayo Perry, 49, was “an eight-year veteran of Honolulu Ocean Safety and a well-known North Shore sailor,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement.

Perry “demonstrated courage, commitment and a deep sense of duty, serving our community with unwavering dedication. His heroic actions and tireless efforts to keep our residents and visitors safe will never be forgotten,” added Blangiardi.

Shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday, Honolulu Ocean Safety and other emergency responders arrived at a beach after a call about a surfer who had been fatally injured in a shark attack, the medical services spokesperson said Honolulu Emergency Department, Shayne Enright.

Honolulu Ocean Safety responded by jet ski and brought Perry to shore, where first responders pronounced him dead.

Perry was a beloved lifeguard, a professional surfer known around the world and had an “infectious” personality, Honolulu Ocean Safety Acting Chief Kurt Lager said.

“As much as people loved him, he loved everyone more,” Lager said.

Perry has made several television and film appearances, according to his IMBD page.

Perry’s biography on the Oahu Surfing Experience website lists among his credits the film “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Charlie’s Angels 2,” “Blue Crush” and the hit television shows “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0.” .

Perry also appeared in national and international ad campaigns, he wrote.

“When I’m not acting, I’m still a real character, so there’s always a lot of fun to be had,” he said.

Perry’s wife, Emilia Perry, was born and raised in Western Australia and competed as a professional bodyboarder before moving to Hawaii, where she met her husband and began surfing competitively, according to her biography on the surf site.

“When I was 18, I came to Hawaii for a competition and met Tamayo while bodyboarding at Pipeline. A few years later, I bought a surfboard, we got married and there was no turning back,” she wrote, adding: “the vast knowledge about the ocean that Tamayo has ingrained in me over the years are invaluable. »

The University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File lists 120 shark bite incidents in 2023. Of the 36 shark bites that occurred in the United States, eight occurred in Hawaii, one of which was fatal.

According to the 2023 Shark Attack Report, surfers suffered 42% of bites worldwide. Although the number of bites and deaths increased last year compared to the previous year, the report’s authors say the numbers remain consistent with recent trends.

The Honolulu community will provide necessary support following Perry’s death, the mayor said.

“As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we remember the inherent risks our rescuers face daily, and we express our deepest gratitude for their service,” Blangiardi said.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled Oahu.