Tamayo Perry, a surfer, lifeguard and actor with a resume that included roles in “Blue Crush” and “Hawaii Five-0,” died after an apparent shark attack off the north shore of Oahu.
The 49-year-old man was surfing at Lake Mālaekahana Beach, also known as Goat Island, on the island's northeast coast, and died Sunday afternoon in the attack, Shayne Enright of the Department of Emergency Services said Monday. of Honolulu, in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.
Honolulu Ocean Safety and the city's fire, police and emergency medical services departments responded to the beach shortly before 1:00 p.m. after a caller reported seeing a man who appeared to have suffered “more than a shark bite,” Enright said. Lifeguards brought Perry to shore by jet ski and paramedics assisted with the pronouncement of death.
After the incident, Ocean Safety staff posted shark warnings in the area, Enright said.
According to news station KHON 2, Honolulu Ocean Safety acting chief Kurt Lager said Perry, whom he described as “one of us,” was a lifeguard and professional surfer “loved by everyone.” Perry worked as a lifeguard on the North Coast and began his career with the Department of Ocean Safety in July 2016.
One of the surfers grabbed Perry after the incident and took him to the island, Lager said at a news conference.
“Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by everyone. He was well known on the north coast. He is a professional surfer known around the world,” Lager said. “Tamayo's personality was contagious and as much as people loved him, he loved others more. Our deepest condolences to Tamayo's family and to the entire Ohana lifeguard.”
Lager also said Perry was “an extremely talented boatman” and is survived by his wife and “hundreds of friends.”
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who also spoke at the news conference, called Perry's death a “tragic loss” and commemorated the lifeguard as “a legendary and highly respected boatman… a great member of our rescue team.” Ocean Safety,” according to Hawaii News. Now.
“Tamayo Perry, an eight-year veteran of Ocean Safety and a well-known North Shore boatman, exemplified bravery, commitment and a deep sense of duty, serving our community with unwavering dedication. “His heroic actions and tireless efforts to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors will never be forgotten,” the mayor added in a statement to The Times.
“As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we remember the inherent risks our lifeguards face daily and extend our deepest gratitude for their service,” Blangiardi said. “The City and County of Honolulu stands with our Ocean Safety community and will provide all necessary support during this period of mourning. “We ask the community to join us in honoring his memory and keeping his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Perry and his wife Emilia Perry, professional athletes from the Hawaiian Islands, co-founded the Oahu Surfing Experience, which offers surf lessons on the North Shore.
“Mother Nature's ocean aspect is very unpredictable and it is important to have expert instructors to guide you,” the couple's website says.
The company did not immediately respond Monday to The Times' request for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
