A professional surfer, who had also featured in several popular films and TV shows, has reportedly died after being attacked by a shark while surfing in Hawaii.
Tamayo Perry, described as a ‘legend’ among the surfing community, was a surf instructor and lifeguard who also had several small acting roles. He had a part in the 2002 surfing movie Blue Crush starring Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez, and more recently landed a role in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth movie in the popular Johnny Depp franchise. He had also appeared in the TV series Hawaii Five-O and Lost.
Perry was reportedly found by other surfers off Mālaekahana Beach on the North Shore of Oahu, approximately 50km north of Honolulu around 1pm in the afternoon of 23 June. Reports in the local media say he had suffered multiple bites and his body was found with an arm and leg missing. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
No information as to the species of shark has been given, and shark warning signs have reportedly been posted on nearby beaches.
Mr Perry is survived by his wife Emilia, an Australian professional bodyboarder with whom he founded The Oahu Surfing Experience, and who asl worked as a stuntwoman in a number of productions.
Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all, well-known on the North Shore, a professional surfer known worldwide around the world,’ said Honolulu Ocean Safety Acting Chief Kurt Lager said. ‘Tamayo’s personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more.’
‘Our condolences go out to Tamayo’s family and to the entire lifeguard ohana. We’re asking for some privacy for his family at this time.’
