R.I.P. Tamayo Perry: ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ Actor Dead At 49 After Shark Attack

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Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

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Actor and surfer Tamayo Perry died Sunday (June 23) after being attacked by a shark in Oahu, Hawaii. He was 49.

BBC News reports Perry was pronounced dead by paramedics after he was brought to shore by jet ski. He had reportedly been found with several shark bites near Goat Island on Oahu, Honolulu.

Perry was a beloved figure in the surfing community. Stab Magazine reports that he became known as an up-and-coming surfer in the area after he began surfing at the age of 12. Though he had no sponsors, he regularly borrowed surfboards to compete. He was also a lifeguard in the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety.

He did some acting and stunt work throughout his career. He most notably played a buccaneer in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 2011, the same year he also made an appearance in an episode of Hawaii Five-O.

Perry also played himself in the 2002 surfing feature Blue Crush and performed stunts in the 2004 film The Big Bounce.

Tamayo Perry
Photo: Steve Robertson

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi praised the waterman in a statement after his death.

Perry “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,” Blangiardi said, per CNN.

“As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we are reminded of the inherent risks faced by our lifeguards daily, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their service,” Blangiardi said.

Perry is survived by his wife, Emilia Perry.