Legendary surfer and actor Tamayo Perry posted chilling messages about shark-infested waters and how the animals “scared” him years before his death.
Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, the skilled surfer’s unparalleled charisma earned him roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Blue Crush before his fatal shark attack last week.
Perry’s knowledge of the surfing community and passion for water safety was reflected in his fascination with sharks, which he often reflected on on his Facebook page.
In July 2015, he wrote a Facebook post about surfer Mick Fanning’s encounter with two sharks in South Africa, acknowledging man’s fallibility in the face of predators.
He commented on the ordeal: ‘It is a great indication that the mercy of Jesus is more than enough’ (sic).
‘Anyway, sharks scare me and I’m glad the Good Lord supported Mick today. Only the Lord can tell when it is your time.’
Surfing legend Tamayo Perry, 49, died in a shark attack on Sunday
Perry’s knowledge of the surfing community and passion for water safety was reflected in his fascination with sharks, which he often reflected on on his Facebook page.
In another post, the 49-year-old openly declared himself a “Jaws fan.” There was even a recurring theme in his online reflections: the belief that he could sense sharks near him while he was surfing.
speaking to The daily beastA friend of the late surfer confirmed Perry’s frequent encounters with sharks at his favorite spot on Oahu, known for its shark presence.
The friend explained that Perry often “mentioned seeing them and feeling their presence” in the water.
Whether spooky or poetic, tragedy occurred when the surfing icon decided to catch some waves during his lunch break from lifeguard duties.
On Sunday, local surfers found Perry missing an arm and a leg on Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore.
In July 2015, he wrote a Facebook post about surfer Mick Fanning’s encounter with two sharks in South Africa, acknowledging man’s fallibility in the face of predators. He commented on the incident saying: “It is a great indication that the mercy of Jesus is more than enough” (sic).
He was transported to shore by jet ski after lifeguards found him in the water around 1:00 p.m. Paramedics pronounced him dead shortly after, authorities said at a news conference.
Lifeguards added that Perry suffered more than just a shark bite when he was found.
Ocean Safety staff posted shark warnings in the area after the attack.
A native of East Oahu in 1975, Perry made his mark as a professional surfer on the North Shore before moving into lifeguarding.
He started surfing at age 12, and as a teenager, Perry was considered the “quiet, up-and-coming local kid who had to borrow surfboards because he had no sponsors,” according to The encyclopedia of surfing.
“By 1997, the wiry, goofy guy had come a long way to developing a style of tube surfing, combining traits from Gerry Lopez and Tom Carroll, his two favorite old-school Pipeline surfers,” he says.
Two years later, Perry triumphed in the Pipeline Masters. In 2005, his smile and composure while charging huge waves made him a Pipeline legend.
On Sunday, Perry was found on Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s north shore by local surfers missing an arm and a leg. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
In recent years, Perry worked with his wife, Emilia, teaching others how to surf.
He landed roles in the 2002 hit Blue Crush, Lost, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Hawaii Five-0.
Perry also did commercials for Nissan Xterra, which aired during the NFL playoffs and the Winter Olympics, as well as a commercial for Coca-Cola, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.
Emilia was his business partner and together they co-founded Oahu Surfing Experience in 2016.
“As a devoted surfer, I have acquired an enormous amount of knowledge, not only from what I have achieved, but also from what I have suffered,” he wrote in his surf school biography.
In the blurb, Perry revealed that he nearly lost his life, but was inspired to make the most of every day as a result.
“Several years ago, while surfing Pipeline in the Extra Large size, I was involved in a near-fatal experience,” he said, without going into details.
‘The incident occurred all due to another person’s lack of awareness.
“The lessons I have learned from that event have inspired me to achieve my goal of instilling proper surf etiquette and safety in those I teach.”
Honolulu Acting Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager said: ‘Tamayo Perry was a beloved lifeguard, well-known on the North Shore, a professional surfer known around the world.
‘Tamayo’s personality was infectious and, as much as people loved him, he loved others more.
‘Our deepest condolences to Tamayo’s family and to the entire Ohana lifeguard. “We are asking for some privacy for his family at this time.”
Mayor Rick Blangiardi joined Lager in asking that Perry’s family be given time to grieve.
He said the community was recovering from a ‘tragic loss’ and added: ‘Tamayo was a legendary and highly respected boatman (…) a great member of our Ocean Safety team; “It’s really hard to imagine, so we just want to pay our respects to our guys.”
“I hope everyone wishes the family the best honors and respects the situation.”
His charisma and skills earned him roles in Hollywood films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
Perry appeared in the 2002 hit Blue Crush, starring Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez and Sanoe Lake.
Jason Bitzer, who considered Perry like family, wrote a touching tribute on Facebook, sharing: ‘The things we’ve 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 were not my friend, you were my brother, the pain we collectively feel is immense.’
Perry’s death marks the second fatal shark attack Oahu has seen this month.
