Surfing Legend Tamayo Perry Tragically Killed In Shark Attack

Renowned surfer Tamayo Perry, who once appeared in the film "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," has tragically lost his life in a shark attack while surfing off the shores of Oahu.

The 49-year-old was discovered off Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu's North Shore by fellow surfers, who found him with severe injuries, including missing an arm and a leg, according to Stab Magazine. First responders indicated that Perry appeared to have suffered multiple shark bites.

Lifeguards swiftly brought Perry to shore using a jetski, but paramedics pronounced him dead upon arrival, officials confirmed in a news conference. Following the attack, Ocean Safety personnel posted shark warnings in the area.

Perry's surfing journey began at the age of 12. By his teenage years, he was known as the "quiet up-and-coming local boy" who had to borrow surfboards due to a lack of sponsors, as noted in The Encyclopedia of Surfing.

"By 1997, the wiry goofy-footer had developed a unique tube-riding style, blending traits from his two favorite old-school Pipeline surfers, Gerry Lopez and Tom Carroll," the encyclopedia states.

Just two years later, Perry clinched the Pipeline Masters title. By 2005, he had cemented his reputation as one of Pipeline's most prominent surfers, known for his infectious smile and effortless poise while tackling massive waves.

Perry's charm and talent extended beyond the surf, landing him roles in the 2002 hit "Blue Crush," the TV series "Lost," "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," and "Hawaii Five-0." 

His loss is deeply felt in the surfing community and beyond, as friends and fans remember him for his extraordinary skills and charismatic presence both in and out of the water.