What to know about Tamayo Perry, the actor and surfer who died in apparent shark attack

As a passionate surf enthusiast and someone who has always admired the bravery of lifeguards, I can’t help but feel deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Tamayo Perry in Hawaii. His story is a testament to the unique blend of fearlessness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting others that defines these unsung heroes.

Tamy Perry, the renowned surfer and actor who tragically passed away due to an apparent shark attack on Oahu’s North Shore on Monday, left behind a lasting impression as an accomplished “water enthusiast” and a devoted believer, according to those who knew him best.

Here’s what to know about him and the circumstances surrounding his death:

Who was he?

A 49-year-old man with expertise in surfing, lifeguarding, and stunt work graced both the big and small screens. He featured in popular films such as “Blue Crush,” “Charlie’s Angels 2,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” and television series including “Hawaii Five-0” and “Lost.”

“Outside of my acting role, I’m full of life and excitement, making for endless enjoyment,” he shared in his personal profile on the Oahu Surfing Experience website.

Perry, born and brought up in a tranquil town on the eastern part of O’ahu, away from the North Shore, is described by his family as having been “shaped by the intense surfing culture of the North Shore during the ’90s.” He and his wife Emilia founded Oahu Surfing Experience and provided surf lessons. Additionally, Perry worked as a lifeguard in the North Shore region. He commenced his career with the Ocean Safety department in July 2016.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Tamayo Perry, a cherished lifeguard in our North Shore community. His reputation extended far beyond our shores, recognized by professionals worldwide as an accomplished surfer. Yet, what truly set Tamayo apart was his infectious personality. The love and care he had for others eclipsed even the deep admiration they held for him.

Before that point in my career, I spent over a decade and a half making a living as a professional surfer. I took great pride in sharing stories of riding the infamous Pipeline wave, which I always referred to as “the most dangerous wave on the planet,” based on my own experiences.

In 1999, he made his debut on the global scene after triumphing in the esteemed Pipeline Masters trials. This achievement granted him the opportunity to hold his own against elite surfers like Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, and Vetea David at the Pipe Masters competition. Later, he faced off against these surfing greats at Tahupoo, Tahiti, in what was referred to as the “Super Final” within the industry.

The surfer shared that an unexpected mishap at Pipeline, which came perilously close to being fatal, eventually motivated him to become a teacher. His primary objective was to impart “correct surf manners and safety skills” to his students.

What happened?

Authorities at the local level reported that Perry met his demise at Mālaekahana Beach, which is adjacent to Goat Island, situated on the northeastern coast of Oahu, during a shark attack on Sunday afternoon.

Around 1 p.m., officials from Honolulu Ocean Safety, along with the city’s fire, police, and emergency medical departments, rushed to the beach following a report of a man who seemed to have received multiple shark bites. According to Shayne Enright of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, this incident was confirmed on Monday in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. Lifeguards rescued Perry using a jet ski, and paramedics subsequently assisted with the unfortunate declaration of his demise.

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

No official cause of death has yet been announced and it’s unclear what type of shark attacked him.

How frequent are shark attacks in that area?

I have lived in Hawaii for over two decades and have always been captivated by its stunning beauty and vibrant culture. However, there is a darker side to this paradise that I have come to learn about all too well. The news of Perry’s tragic death has saddened me deeply, as it marks the ninth fatal shark attack in these waters over the last 20 years. What makes his case particularly striking is that he was not among the unlucky victims who met their end near Maui’s shores.

This year, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources reported that the actor’s death was one of five shark-related incidents. Out of over 300 shark species, fewer than a dozen have been known to attack humans. Such attacks usually happen when the sharks are mistakenly provoked or showing curiosity. As per the National Ocean Service.

In the past year, the number of annual shark attacks leading to human fatalities, though still infrequent, saw an uptick, as reported by the International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida. This database recorded 69 unprovoked shark attacks globally in 2023, resulting in 10 deaths. These figures correspond with the average number of incidents over the previous five years (from 2018 to 2022), which was around 63 per year.

Climate change could be a contributing factor to the surge, according to researchers, but it’s also important to consider the growing number of people using the ocean annually and the heightened focus on documenting shark attacks and deaths.

As a devoted fan of “Jaws,” I, Perry, have always confessed to having an uneasy relationship with these magnificent yet terrifying creatures. Back in 2015, I shared on Facebook my fear, stating that sharks instill in me a sense of dread and that only the divine power can determine when it’s my time. In another instance, while surfing, I claimed to have an uncanny ability to sense their presence around me. (The Daily Beast reported this information.)

What have Perry’s family and colleagues said?

Tamayo Perry of Hawaii in action during round three of the Billabong Pro trials in 2003 in Teahupoo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.

(Pierre Tostee / Getty Images)

In a statement to The Times, which they later shared on social media, Perry’s family paid tribute to him as a hero.

“He acted as the protective older brother to all, stern yet endearing with a contagious grin. In times of distress, he was your savior and steadfast support. Forged in the challenging North Shore environment of the ’90s, his strong faith in Christ served as his unwavering foundation. Not many emulate Jesus’ teachings as closely as Tamayo did, keeping his gaze firmly on the chosen path.”

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sadness as I reflect on the life of this remarkable individual. Yet, finding comfort in the knowledge that he spent his final moments doing what brought him joy – surfing at Pipeline – makes his departure from this world a little less painful for me. I imagine him now, up above, reunited with his dear friends who have gone before him, trading barrels in the most magnificent wave of all time. It brings a smile to my face and gives me strength to know that he is at peace, surrounded by love and divine presence.

How the surf world reacted

In Oahu’s ocean community, particularly near Banzai Pipeline, there’s deep sadness following a recent attack. A makeshift memorial for Perry was established on Monday, close to his lifeguard post (Hawaii News Now reports). Lt. Dave Wassel of Honolulu Ocean Department, who knew Perry long-term, addressed the unexpected and challenging circumstance the community now faces.

“Wassel expressed to the news outlet that there’s no guide on how to handle this situation. Yet, he’s saved lives through performing CPR – an accomplishment not many can claim. It’s truly remarkable.”

In an interview with The Times, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi praised Perry, stating that he embodied courage, loyalty, and a strong sense of responsibility, giving tirelessly to our community.

The mayor expressed his appreciation for the man’s brave deeds and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our community members and tourists. His selfless actions will forever be etched in our memories. During this time of sorrow, we are reminded of the perils that lifeguards encounter each day. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their dedication.

I’m deeply saddened to share that the World Surf League expressed their heartfelt condolences to Perry’s family, acknowledging the significant loss of a cherished figure within their community. For many years, Perry graced our surfing world with his presence and iconic status.

His legacy

The family requests seclusion at this time, but the wife established a GoFundMe named “Honoring Tamayo Perry’s Memory” on Monday, targeting a $100,000 contribution. By Tuesday afternoon, it surpassed $38,000.

His company said that it would announce a celebration of life at a later time.

2024-07-18 18:36