Tomayo Perry Dies in Shark Attack

Tamayo Perry, a beloved figure in the surfing and acting communities, tragically passed away on Sunday after a shark attack in Hawaii, as reported by the BBC. He was 49 years old.

The incident occurred near Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore, prompting an immediate response from Honolulu Ocean Safety and emergency services around 1 p.m. Perry, who had suffered multiple shark bites, was brought ashore by paramedics on a jet ski and was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the Associated Press.

Described as “a lifeguard loved by all” by Honolulu Ocean Safety acting chief Kurt Lager in a press conference, Perry was renowned for his infectious personality and professional surfing career. Lager highlighted Perry’s global reputation as a professional surfer and his deep connection with the North Shore community.

In addition to his achievements in surfing, Perry pursued a career in acting, appearing in notable films such as “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (2011), “Blue Crush” (2002), and the television series “Hawaii Five-O” (2011).

Since July 2016, Perry had served as a dedicated lifeguard, balancing his responsibilities with his passion for surfing, which spanned over a decade of professional competition.

Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed profound sorrow over Perry’s untimely death, describing him as a “legendary waterman” and emphasizing his invaluable contributions to the Ocean Safety team. Blangiardi noted Perry’s local roots and his esteemed status within the community.

The passing of Tamayo Perry marks a significant loss to both the surfing and entertainment worlds, leaving behind a legacy of athleticism, camaraderie, and artistic talent.