Tamayo Perry passed away Sunday following an apparent shark bite off Oahu’s North Shore, as reported by the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department.
Tamayo was a North Shore lifeguard who joined Ocean Safety in 2016.
“Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all, well-known on the North Shore, a professional surfer known world-wide around the world. Tamayo’s personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more,” stated Acting Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager.
“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.”
“This is a tragic loss. Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected, a great member of our Ocean Safety team,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi during a press conference at the scene.
In a subsequent statement, Blangiardi remarked, “As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we are reminded of the inherent risks faced by our lifeguards daily, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their service.”
He continued, “The City and County of Honolulu stands with our Ocean Safety community and will provide all necessary support during this period of mourning. We ask the community to join us in honoring his memory and to keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Honolulu EMS officials responded to a 911 call reporting a surfer fatally injured before 1 p.m. off Malaekahana Beach near Kahuku.
A spokesperson mentioned that the caller informed dispatchers the body appeared to have suffered multiple shark bites.
Officials reported that lifeguards used a jet ski to bring Perry’s body to shore, where he was pronounced dead.