Professional surfer and lifeguard Tamayo Perry tragically lost his life on Sunday following a shark attack off the coast of Oahu.


Perry, also known for his work as an actor and stuntman, was attacked in the early afternoon while surfing at Malaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore. He was 49 years old.


After the attack, Perry was brought to shore by Jet Ski, where he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Shayne Enright, spokeswoman for the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, during a press conference.


“I ask for your kindness and your patience as we all just try to get through this next hour into these next weeks and months," Enright said.


Kurt Lager, the acting chief of the ocean safety department, described Perry as a world-class surfer and a beloved lifeguard.


“Tamayo’s personality was infectious,” Lager said. “And as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more.”



Perry is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Emilia Perry, with whom he operated a surf academy.


Following the announcement of his death, tributes to the Hawaii-born Perry flooded social media.


In addition to his prowess in the water, Perry made notable contributions to Hollywood, with roles in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise and “Hawaii Five-O.”


Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi referred to Perry as a “legendary waterman” who grew up on the island.


Although shark attacks are statistically rare, there was a noticeable increase in both shark attacks and fatalities in 2023, according to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File (ISAF).


The ISAF reported 69 unprovoked bites worldwide last year, 10 of which were fatal.


The National Ocean Service notes that only about a dozen of the more than 300 shark species have been involved in attacks on humans, usually due to the shark being confused or curious.


Researchers suggest that climate change might be a contributing factor to the rise in shark attacks.