Professional lifeguard Tamayo Perry, who appeared on the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean is dead following a fatal shark attack in Hawaii. The 49-year-old former pro surfer grew up in East Oahu, where he nurtured his passion for surfing the oceans. He eventually made a career out of it, winning the 1999 Pipeline Masters and becoming one of the most renowned Pipeline surfers. His fondness for the oceans made him an undisputed choice for movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, Lost, and Blue Crush.
Although his acting career never took off in full force, the icon continued making a living as a devoted waterman. More recently, Tamayo Perry served as a lifeguard at Mālaekahana Beach in Hawaii, where he eventually encountered a shark attack that ended his life prematurely. Honolulu’s emergency services confirmed the surf instructor’s death in a press conference, revealing he died on Sunday afternoon.
Per reports, Tamayo Perry was taking a break from lifeguard duties and decided to hit the waves. However, local surfers found him hours later, off the Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore, with injuries consistent with multiple shark bites. He had missing body parts, including an arm and a leg, confirming the fatal encounter. In their statement, the emergency crew confirmed that Tamayo appeared to suffer “more than a possible shark bite.”
Paramedics pronounced him dead at about 1 p.m. on Sunday after successfully hauling him ashore on a lifeboat. He was 49. Family members identified the body before the press release. The incident has left family and friends devastated. Acting Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager has since paid tribute to the lost waterman.
In a statement released in the wake of the shark attack, the chief described Tamayo Perry as a lifeguard loved by all. He also acknowledged his background as a professional surfer recognized worldwide. The town’s Mayor Rick Blangiardi implored the public to respect the family’s need for privacy as they mourn the painful loss.
On Pirates of the Caribbean, Tamayo Perry played one of the Buccaneers Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) encountered. Apart from his role in the franchise’s fourth installment titled Pirates of the Caribbean” On Stranger Tides, the icon’s water skills came in handy during his appearances on Lost, Blue Crush, Hawaii Five-O, and the Charlie’s Angel sequel, Blue Throttle.
