Tamayo Perry, best known for his role as a buccaneer in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” died on Sunday afternoon following a shark attack while surfing in Hawaii, Honolulu’s emergency services confirmed in a press conference.
The 49-year-old actor and professional surfer was attacked at Malaekahana Beach around 1:00 PM local time. Despite the quick response from emergency services and efforts to bring him to shore by jet ski, Perry was pronounced dead by paramedics.
Perry, who portrayed a buccaneer in the 2011 film alongside Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, and Geoffrey Rush, had a diverse acting portfolio with roles in “Lost,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “Blue Crush,” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.” He also appeared in a well-known Coca-Cola advertisement.
Born on the east side of Oahu, Perry was a seasoned surfer and lifeguard, known for his expertise and passion for the sport. He had been surfing professionally for over a decade and was an instructor at the Oahu Surfing Experience, where he shared stories of riding “the world’s deadliest wave” and surviving a previous near-fatal accident.
Acting Honolulu Ocean Safety chief Kurt Lager praised Perry as “a lifeguard loved by all” and a well-known figure on Oahu’s north shore and beyond. “Tamayo’s personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more,” Lager said. “Our condolences go out to Tamayo’s family.”
Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed his sorrow, calling Perry’s death “a tragic loss.” He remembered Perry as a legendary waterman and a respected member of the ocean safety team. “Tamayo grew up right here and was a great member of our community,” Blangiardi said, urging the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
