Tamayo Perry, known for his role in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” has tragically died after being attacked by a shark while surfing in Hawaii. The 49-year-old actor and professional lifeguard was pronounced dead on Sunday afternoon, according to Honolulu’s emergency services.
Emergency services were dispatched to Malaekahana Beach around 1:00 PM local time following reports of a shark attack. Despite efforts by paramedics and Perry’s swift retrieval from the water by jet ski, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the shore.
A career in film and surfing
Perry, who portrayed a buccaneer in the 2011 “Pirates of the Caribbean” film, alongside Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, and Geoffrey Rush, also had notable roles in TV series and films such as “Lost,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “Blue Crush,” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”
Additionally, he appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial. Born on the east side of Oahu, Perry had been a professional surfer for over a decade. He was an instructor at Oahu Surfing Experience, where he shared his passion for tackling “the world’s deadliest wave.” “This small-time island boy can bang it out with the world’s best,” he wrote in a blurb on the surfing school’s website. He also mentioned surviving a near-fatal accident caused by another’s “lack of awareness,” although he did not provide further details.
Kurt Lager, acting chief of Honolulu Ocean Safety, described Perry as “a lifeguard loved by all” and a well-known figure on Oahu’s north shore and beyond. “Tamayo’s personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more,” Lager said, expressing condolences to Perry’s family. Mayor Rick Blangiardi echoed these sentiments, calling Perry’s death “a tragic loss.” “Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected,” Blangiardi stated at the press conference. “He grew up right over here and was a great member of our ocean safety team.” Blangiardi emphasized the difficulty of receiving such a call on a Sunday afternoon and requested privacy for Perry’s family as they grieve.
Remembering Tamayo Perry
Perry’s untimely death has left a void in the community, where he was cherished both as a talented actor and a dedicated lifeguard. His legacy in both the entertainment and surfing worlds will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.