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Pirates of the Caribbean star Tamayo Perry 'savaged to death by shark in Hawaii

24 June 2024 , 02:13
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He starred in several films before his tragic death
He starred in several films before his tragic death

A PIRATES of the of Caribbean star has been mauled to death in a suspected shark attack.

The lifeless body of Tamayo Perry, 49, was found with several shark bites, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said on Sunday.

Tamayo Perry, 49, was best known for starring in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides eiqetidqtidqzprw
Tamayo Perry, 49, was best known for starring in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger TidesCredit: Alamy
The surfer was swimming near Goat Island, also known as Mokuauia Island, when his body was found
The surfer was swimming near Goat Island, also known as Mokuauia Island, when his body was foundCredit: Instagram/ Tamayo Perry
Perry, seen riding a wave, was teaching surf lessons at the time of his tragic death
Perry, seen riding a wave, was teaching surf lessons at the time of his tragic deathCredit: Getty
Tamayo is pictured with his wife, Emilia
Tamayo is pictured with his wife, EmiliaCredit: Instagram/ Tamayo Perry

The Pirates of the Caribbean star had been surfing off Goat Island, also known as Mokuauia, near Laie, Hawaii - about 32 miles north of Honolulu.

Officials told the Star-Advertiser that lifeguards took him to shore via jetski after he was found at 1 pm.

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

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He previously made an appearance in the 2002 Hollywood hit Blue Crush and also had a role in Hawaii Five-0.

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.

"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."

The surfer was reportedly found dead with shark bites on Goat Island in Oahu, Hawaii
The surfer was reportedly found dead with shark bites on Goat Island in Oahu, HawaiiCredit: To-Hawaii.com

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 traveled with his wife Emilia, a skilled bodyboarder.

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.

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

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."

Emergency crews believed Perry may have suffered more than one shark bite.

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

Though officials saw shark bites, his cause of death is still unclear (file photo)
Though officials saw shark bites, his cause of death is still unclear (file photo)Credit: Getty

DEVOTED WATERMAN

Perry was an instructor for the Oahu Surfing Experience.

His bio on the OSE website states that he made appearances in several films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Blue Crush, and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.

"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.

Emergency crews believed the man may have suffered more than one possible shark bite.

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 NBC News.

Officials said she suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

"The girl was near shore, swimming in the water, when the incident occurred," said the Honolulu Emergency Services Department in a statement.

"A witness described seeing what appeared to be a small reef shark in the area."

The U.S. Sun has reached out to the Honolulu Police Department and Oahu Surfing Experience for comment.

Perry, pictured in an Instagram photo, worked as a surfing instructor for the Oahu Surfing Experience
Perry, pictured in an Instagram photo, worked as a surfing instructor for the Oahu Surfing ExperienceCredit: Instagram/ Tamayo Perry

Cheyenne R. Ubiera

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