Tamayo Perry, a surfer, lifeguard and actor with a resume that included roles in “Blue Crush” and “Hawaii 5-0,” has died after an obvious shark assault off Oahu’s North Shore.
The 49-year-old was browsing at Mālaekahana Seashore lake, also referred to as Goat Island, on the northeast coast of the island, and died Sunday afternoon within the assault, Shayne Enright of the Honolulu Emergency Companies Division mentioned Monday in an announcement to the Los Angeles Occasions.
Honolulu Ocean Security and town’s fireplace, police and emergency medical companies departments responded to the seaside simply earlier than 1 p.m. after a caller reported seeing a person who appeared to have suffered “a couple of shark chunk,” Enright mentioned. Lifeguards introduced Perry to shore by jet ski and paramedics assisted with the loss of life pronouncement.
After the incident, Ocean Security personnel posted shark warnings within the space, Enright mentioned.
In accordance with information station KHON 2, Honolulu Ocean Security performing chief Kurt Lager mentioned that Perry, whom he described as “one in every of our personal,” was a lifeguard {and professional} surfer “liked by all.” Perry labored as a lifeguard on the North Shore and started his profession with the Ocean Security division in July 2016.
A surfer grabbed Perry after the incident and introduced him to the island, Lager mentioned at a information convention.
“Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard liked by all. He was well-known on the North Shore. He’s an expert surfer identified worldwide,” Lager mentioned. “Tamayo’s character was infectious, and as a lot as individuals liked him, he liked everybody else extra. Our condolences exit to Tamayo’s household and to the whole lifeguard ohana.”
Lager additionally mentioned that Perry was “an especially gifted waterman” and that he’s survived by his spouse and “a whole lot of pals.”
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who additionally spoke on the information convention, mentioned Perry’s loss of life was a “tragic loss” and commemorated the lifeguard as “a legendary waterman and extremely revered … nice member of our Ocean Security staff,” in line with Hawaii Information Now.
“Tamayo Perry, an eight-year veteran of Ocean Security and well-known North Shore waterman, exemplified bravery, dedication and a deep sense of obligation, serving our neighborhood with unwavering dedication. His heroic actions and tireless efforts to make sure the security of our residents and guests won’t ever be forgotten,” the mayor added in an announcement to The Occasions.
“As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we’re reminded of the inherent dangers confronted by our lifeguards every day, and we prolong our deepest gratitude for his or her service,” Blangiardi mentioned. “The town and county of Honolulu stands with our Ocean Security neighborhood and can present all vital help throughout this era of mourning. We ask the neighborhood to hitch us in honoring his reminiscence and to maintain his family members in your ideas and prayers.”
Perry and his spouse, Emilia, each skilled athletes from the Hawaiian Islands, co-founded the Oahu Browsing Expertise. The corporate affords surf classes on the North Shore.
“The Ocean Facet of Mom Nature could be very unpredictable and you will need to have knowledgeable instructors to information you,” the couple’s web site says.
In an announcement to The Occasions, the corporate shared its tribute to the late surfer.
“All of us need to be the hero of our personal story. One of many redeeming traits of humanity is our want to observe our convictions all the time and with out concern. Few of us are in a position to actually be that hero Tamayo Perry was, is and will probably be eternally,” the corporate mentioned.
“He was everybody’s large brother, stern and uncompromising with an infectious and kolohe smile. He was your rescuer in time of want, your security when all issues fell aside. He was a knight solid within the fires of the North Shore within the ’90s, his religion in Christ the rock upon which he stood. Few are those that actually observe within the footsteps of Jesus. Tamayo by no means took his eyes off the trail.
“Tragic although his passing could also be, he left this world doing what he liked the place he liked to do it. We discover power in realizing he’s in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, buying and selling barrels at Pipeline together with his pals which have gone earlier than him.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
