Tamayo Perry, surfer in ‘Blue Crush’ and ‘Hawaii Five-0,’ dies after apparent shark attack

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As a movie reviewer with a deep appreciation for stories of courage and resilience, I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Tamayo Perry, a true Hawaiian legend and hero. The image of him, standing boldly against the backdrop of the beautiful yet unpredictable North Shore waves, brings a bittersweet smile to my face.

A skilled surfer, lifeguard, and actor named Tamayo Perry, who had appeared in films like “Blue Crush” and “Hawaii Five-0,” tragically passed away following an apparent shark encounter on Oahu’s North Shore.

At Mālaekahana Beach, or Goat Island on the northeastern coast, a 49-year-old man was fatally attacked while surfing on Sunday afternoon, according to Shayne Enright from the Honolulu Emergency Services Department who spoke with the Los Angeles Times on Monday.

Around 1 p.m., while I was enjoying my day at the beach in Honolulu, an alarming situation unfolded. I noticed the ocean safety team, firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical responders rushing to the scene. A concerned caller had reported seeing a man who seemed to have been bitten by sharks more than once. The lifeguards bravely brought the injured man ashore on a jet ski, while paramedics did their best to assist with his unfortunate fate.

After the incident, Ocean Safety personnel posted shark warnings in the area, Enright said.

Based on KHON 2’s report, Kurt Lager, Honolulu Ocean Safety’s acting chief, described Perry as a cherished member of our team. He was not only a dedicated lifeguard but also an accomplished surfer, adored by everyone. I had the pleasure of welcoming him to our department back in July 2016 when he started working with us on the North Shore.

At a news conference, Lager shared that a surfer rescued Perry following the occurrence and transported him to the island.

“Tamayo Perry, adored by all, held the role of a cherished lifeguard at the North Shore. His fame extended beyond our shores as he was also a renowned professional surfer. Lager shared, ‘Tamayo’s contagious spirit drew people towards him, and he cared deeply for everyone around him.’ Our heartfelt sympathies are with Tamayo’s family and the entire lifeguard community.”

Lager added that Perry was a highly skilled swimmer or paddler, and leaves behind his spouse and numerous companions.

At the press conference, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed his sadness over Perry’s passing, describing him as a “tragic loss” and honoring him as a “legendary waterman” and a “highly respected” and “great team member” of their Ocean Safety unit (Hawaii News Now reports).

I had the privilege of hearing the mayor’s heartfelt tribute to Tamayo Perry, a true local hero and dedicated ocean safety expert with over eight years of service at Ocean Safety. His unwavering commitment to our community on the North Shore was evident in his selfless acts of bravery and tireless efforts to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. With deep respect for Tamayo’s life experience, it is clear that his impact on our town will be remembered fondly for generations to come. His legacy as a well-known waterman is a testament to his passion, skill, and unwavering dedication to keeping us safe in the face of the ocean’s challenges. May his story inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps and serve their communities with the same level of courage and commitment.

During this heart-wrenching time as we mourn an unforeseen loss, we’re reminded of the brave daily feats our lifeguards undertake, facing risks that are hard to fathom. We express our profound appreciation for their selfless service. The city and county of Honolulu stands with our Ocean Safety team in this moment of sorrow, offering any required assistance. Please join us in paying tribute to his memory and keeping his dear ones in your thoughts and prayers.

Perry, a Hawaiian Islands’ native and professional athlete along with his wife Emilia, who shares the same background, established the Oahu Surfing Experience together. This business provides surf instruction on the North Shore.

“The unpredictable side of the ocean as part of Mother Nature necessitates having skilled guides with you,” according to the couple’s website.

In a statement to The Times, the company shared its tribute to the late surfer.

“Everyone aspires to be the brave protagonist in their own lives. A commendable trait of being human is our unwavering commitment to our beliefs, no matter the fear. Few among us can truly embody the heroism that Tamayo Perry did, continues to do, and forever will.”

In a simple and clear way, we could say: “He acted like an older brother to everyone, strict but with a charismatic and playful grin. He was there to help when you were in trouble and when things went wrong. A hero molded by the challenges of the North Shore during the ’90s, his belief in Christianity was unwavering and solid ground for him. Not many manage to walk in Jesus’ footsteps. Tamayo remained focused on that path.”

Although his departure from this life brings sadness, he spent his final moments doing something he cherished in a place he loved. We take comfort in believing he’s now in heaven with the Lord and our beloved ones, sharing joyful moments at Pipeline just as they had before him.

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2024-07-18 18:39