Jump directly to the content
Live Blog
TRAGIC LOSS

Tamayo Perry death updates — Pirates of the Caribbean star killed in shark attack while surfing in Hawaii

SURFER and actor Tamayo Perry has died in a shark attack at age 49.

Tamayo, who worked as a lifeguard for the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety, was killed while surfing off the island of Oahu in Hawaii on Sunday.

Emergency services responded to calls of a surfer being attacked around Mālaekahana Beach just before 1 pm local time, according to Honolulu Emergency Services Department spokesperson Shayne Enright.

Perry starred in movies including 2011's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and 2002's Blue Crush. He also made an appearance in Hawaii Five-0.

During a press conference, Honolulu Mayor Rich Blangiardi said Tamayo's death is a "tragic loss."

“Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected.”

Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates...

  • World Surf League shares statement

    The World Surf League has spoken out about Tamayo Perry's death.

    "We are deeply saddened to share that the surf community lost a beloved icon yesterday," WSL said.

    "A well-known surfer and lifeguard, Tamayo Perry, passed away after injuries from a shark attack that occurred on the East Side of Oahu.

    "Tamayo was a Pipeline/Teahupo'o specialist, freesurfer, former competitor, and member of the WSL for many years.

    "He became a lifeguard for the city and was a big part of the North Shore community. Our hearts go out to Tamayo’s family and friends."

  • Surfers pay tribute

    Under Tamayo Perry's last post on Instagram, fans and fellow surfers are paying tribute to the late waterman.

    "Thankyou uncle for always being the nicest guy out in the water with all the boys. Can’t believe it. Gonna miss you," one wrote.

    "Rest in peace uncle thank you for always being there to push me into waves. Best uncle out there and always kept us safe…," another shared.

    "Thank you for sharing all your surf knowledge with me when I moved back home. Seeing you all the time on the block was such a pleasure brother. Love you Tamayo, we’ll miss you," a third added.

  • 'Loved by all'

    Acting Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager said in a statement: "Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all, well-known on the North Shore, a professional surfer known worldwide around the world.

    "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."

  • Meet Tamayo Perry's wife

    Tamayo Perry and his wife Emilia bonded over their love of water sports as Emilia is a skilled bodyboarder.

    The pair founded their business Oahu Surfing Experience in 2016.

  • Tributes flood in

    Tributes have flooded in for Tamayo Perry following his tragic death.

    Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: "RIP Tamayo Perry. The Pipeline specialist and Honolulu County Lifeguard will be dearly missed by the entire North Shore community.

    "He lost his life today in a shark incident at Goat Island off O’ahu. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends."

  • Perry's death is a 'tragic loss'

    Mayor Rick Blangiardi called Perry's death a "tragic loss", describing the late star as a highly respected "legendary waterman".

    He said: "It’s just really hard to imagine, so we just want to pay our respects to our guys.

    "I hope everyone wishes the family the best honors and respects the situation."

  • Second fatal attack of the month

    This fatal attack was the second Oahu has seen just this month.

    Earlier this year, an 11-year-old girl was mauled by a shark after the creature clamped down on her foot in Oahu.

    The girl was reportedly bitten on her left foot on Saturday, March 2, just before 1:30 pm, reported .

    Officials said she suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

  • 'You weren’t my friend you were my brother'

    Perry's pal, Jason Bitzer, shared a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook, writing, "The things we have seen! My brother in Christ I love you brah! Tamayo, I won’t get over this until I see you in heaven.

    "Tamayo Perry you weren’t my friend you were my brother, the pain we're collectively feeling is immense."

  • Tamayo's experience with 'world's deadliest' wave

    "I’ve been surfing professionally for over 15 years and surfing the world's deadliest wave is what I got paid for (Pipeline)," Perry wrote in his bio.

    He wrote that he had a near-death experience while surfing an extra-large wave.

    "A number of years ago while surfing Pipeline on the Extra Large size, I was involved in a freak accident that turned into a near-fatal experience.

    "The incident happened all because of someone else's lack of awareness."

    Perry wrote that he took lessons from that experience, which inspired him to teach others about surfing etiquette and safety.

  • Where was Tamayo born?

    Born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii, Perry made his surfing name with his brilliant skills at the Pipeline, becoming champion at the Pipe Masters Trials in 1999.

    He also gained fame for his great surfing at Teahupoo in Tahiti, where he travelled with his wife Emilia, a skilled bodyboarder.

  • Tamayo was an avid surfer

    Perry was also a longtime pipeline surfer and lifeguard.

    He was teaching surf lessons at the time of his tragic death.

    "Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all, well-known on the North Shore, a professional surfer known worldwide around the world," said Acting Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager in a statement.

  • Where did Tamayo die?

    Tamayo had been surfing off Goat Island, also known as Mokuauia, near Laie, Hawaii - about 32 miles north of Honolulu.

    He was found at 1 pm, officials told the , before lifeguards took him to shore via jetski.

  • Where did Tamayo die?

    Tamayo had been surfing off Goat Island, also known as Mokuauia, near Laie, Hawaii - about 32 miles north of Honolulu.

    He was found at 1 pm, officials told the , before lifeguards took him to shore via jetski.

  • Tamayo Perry dead aged 49

    Tamayo Perry, 49, has died aged 49 after being mauled to death in a suspected shark attack.

    Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said on Sunday Tamayo's body was found with several bites.

    Perry starred in major blockbusters including Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Topics