Gina Heslop
Tamayo Perry, a well-known lifeguard and surfer, tragically died in a shark attack while surfing in Hawaii. Perry, who had appeared in the TV series “Hawaii Five-O” and the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” was attacked on the north shore of Oahu. He had worked as a lifeguard and ocean safety officer in this area for eight years.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed deep sorrow over Perry’s death, stating, “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.” He added, “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues in Ocean Safety during this incredibly difficult time.”
Blangiardi praised Perry’s dedication and bravery, saying, “Tamayo Perry, an eight-year veteran of Ocean Safety and well-known North Shore waterman, exemplified bravery, commitment, and a deep sense of duty, serving our community with unwavering dedication. His heroic actions and tireless efforts to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors will never be forgotten.”
The Honolulu Emergency Services Department reported that Perry was attacked by a shark off Goat Island just before 1 p.m. on June 23. A caller informed dispatch that the surfer’s body appeared to have been bitten multiple times. Lifeguards quickly brought his body ashore on a Jet Ski, and EMS paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
Acting Chief Kurt Lager of Honolulu Ocean Safety held a press conference where he stated, “Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all.” Perry was not only known for his roles in movies like “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” and “Blue Crush” but also for his skills as a surfer, particularly at Pipeline, one of the most famous surf breaks in the world.
Perry’s wife, Emilia, who is also a surfer, expressed her grief, saying, “Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved, where he loved to do it.” The couple ran a surf school on the North Shore of Oahu, where Perry was highly regarded in the surfing community.
Condolences poured in from the surfing world. Legendary surfer Kelly Slater wrote, “This one is hard to believe. You truly lived the life you loved.” Moana Jones Wong, another famous Hawaiian surfer known as the “Queen of the Pipeline,” shared on social media, “I will cherish our memories forever.”
Perry was also known to be close friends with singer Jack Johnson and was born and raised on the east side of Oahu. His death has left a significant impact on the community, and he is remembered for his passion for the ocean and his dedication to keeping others safe.
