The world mourns the tragic loss of Tamayo Perry, a beloved actor from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, who died after a horrific shark attack while surfing in Hawaii. The 49-year-old’s death on Sunday afternoon was confirmed by Honolulu’s emergency services in a press conference.
The fatal incident occurred at Malaekahana Beach, where emergency services were summoned around 1:00 PM local time. Despite being brought to shore by jet ski, Perry, who also served as a lifeguard, was pronounced dead by paramedics.
Instagram Post of Tamayo Perry – Reminscing His Teen Days
Tamayo Perry was best known for his role as a buccaneer in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth film in the blockbuster series featuring Johnny Depp as the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow, alongside stars like Penelope Cruz and Geoffrey Rush.
Tamayo Perry’s versatility shone in other roles too, including appearances in Lost, Hawaii Five-0, Blue Crush, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, and a memorable Coca-Cola commercial. Born on the east side of Oahu, Perry had carved out a name for himself in the surfing world, boasting over a decade of professional experience. On the Oahu Surfing Experience website, where he worked as an instructor,
Tamayo Perry recounted his adventures surfing “the world’s deadliest wave.” He proudly declared, “This small-time island boy can bang it out with the world’s best.” He also alluded to a past “near-fatal experience” caused by someone else’s “lack of awareness,” though he left the details vague.
Acting Honolulu Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager spoke highly of Perry, calling him “a lifeguard loved by all” and noted his widespread recognition on Oahu’s north shore and beyond. “Tamayo Perry’s personality was infectious,” Lager said.
“As much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more.” He extended heartfelt condolences to Perry’s family. Mayor Rick Blangiardi also expressed profound grief over Perry’s untimely death, calling it “a tragic loss.”
Instagram Post of Tamayo Perry – Tuesday, May 2, 2023
At the press conference, he paid tribute to Perry as “a legendary waterman” and “a highly respected member of our ocean safety team,” who grew up right in the area.
Blangiardi reflected on the difficulty of receiving such devastating news on a Sunday afternoon and urged for privacy for Perry’s family during this heart-wrenching time.
The loss of Tamayo Perry leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and admired him, both for his on-screen talent and his off-screen heroism. His legacy as a fearless waterman and cherished friend will endure in the memories of those whose lives he touched.
