(StraightShooterNews.com) – A remarkable life has come to a sad end, as surfing icon Tamayo Perry has tragically died after a shark attack off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
Known for his role in the fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie, Perry was 49 years old when he was recently attacked near Goat Island.
Local surfers found him off Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore, missing an arm and a leg, as reported by Stab Magazine. A witness alerted authorities after seeing a man with severe shark bite injuries.
At the time of the attack, Perry was taking a break from his lifeguard duties to surf. He was quickly brought to shore at Malaekahana Beach, where paramedics attempted to resuscitate him.
Although he was an experienced ocean safety lifeguard and surfing instructor, Perry was declared dead shortly after his arrival onshore, according to officials.
Following the tragic incident, ocean safety personnel immediately erected shark warning signs around the area to alert beachgoers.
“He’s well known on the North Shore. He’s a professional surfer known worldwide,” said Honolulu acting ocean safety chief Kurt Lager.
Lager also remarked on Perry’s character, saying, “Tamayo’s personality was infectious and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more. A lifeguard loved by all.”
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed his sorrow, described Perry’s death as “a tragic loss” and called him “a legendary waterman and highly respected.”
Perry had actively served as a lifeguard on the North Shore since joining the ocean safety department in 2016.
His film career included appearances in notable titles such as the 2002 film “Blue Crush,” “Lost,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “Hawaii Five-0” and the 2003 film “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”
Born in 1975, Perry began surfing at the age of 12. Although he lacked early sponsorships, he was recognized as a promising local talent noted for his distinctive tube riding style similar to his idols Gerry Lopez and Tom Carroll.
By 1997, he had become known for his skill, particularly at Pipeline, one of surfing’s most revered venues.
He clinched a win at the Pipeline Masters competition in 1999 and was considered one of the area’s top surfers by 2005.
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