Authorities in Hawaii confirmed that Tamayo Perry, a well-known lifeguard and surfer who had guest appearances on “Hawaii Five-O” and a “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequel, died on Sunday from a shark attack while surfing.

According to a statement from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the 49-year-old native Hawaiian was attacked on the north shore of Oahu, where he had worked as a lifeguard and ocean safety officer for eight years.

“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,” Blangiardi said. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues in Ocean Safety during this incredibly difficult time.”

He said, “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.”

According to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, on June 23, a surfer was fatally injured in a shark attack off Goat Island just before 1 p.m. local time. The surfer’s body appeared to have multiple bite marks, according to a caller who informed dispatch. Lifeguards brought the body ashore using a Jet Ski, and EMS paramedics pronounced the surfer dead at the scene.

The surfer was identified as Tamayo Perry, a lifeguard who was well-loved by his community. Acting Chief Kurt Lager of Honolulu Ocean Safety remarked at a press conference, “Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all.”

Perry was well-known not only as a lifeguard and surfer but also for his appearances in several films and television series, including “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” “Blue Crush,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “Lost.”

Emilia Perry, a fellow surfer, expressed her sentiments about her husband, saying, “Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved, where he loved to do it.”

Tamayo Perry was celebrated for his exceptional skill at Pipeline, a renowned surf break off Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s north shore, according to Surfer magazine. The Encyclopedia of Surfing notes that Perry was born and raised on Oahu’s east side and was close friends with singer Jack Johnson.

Perry and his wife ran a surf school on the North Shore of Oahu together.

On Monday, condolences from the surfing community poured in. Surfing legend Kelly Slater wrote, “This one is hard to believe. You truly lived the life you loved.” Hawaiian surfer Moana Jones Wong, known as the “Queen of the Pipeline,” shared on social media, “I will cherish our memories forever.”

Please SHARE this article with Family and Friends on Social Media and let us know what you think in comments!