Legendary surfer and actor Tamayo Perry posted creepy posts about shark-infested waters and how he was “freaked out” by the animals years before his death.
Born in Oahu, Hawaii, the veteran surfer’s unparalleled charisma landed him roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Blue Crush before a fatal shark attack last week.
Perry’s knowledge of the surfing community and passion for water safety manifested in his fascination with sharks, which he often mused about on his Facebook page.
In July 2015, he wrote a post on Facebook about surfer Mick Fanning’s encounter with two sharks in South Africa, acknowledging man’s fallibility in the face of predators.
He said of the trial: ‘It is a good indication that Jesus’ mercy is more than sufficient’ [sic].
“Anyway, sharks are driving me crazy and I’m glad the Good Lord had Mick back 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 were reflected in his fascination with sharks, which he often mused on on his Facebook page
In a separate post, the 49-year-old openly referred to himself as a “Jaws Fan.” There was even a recurring theme in his online musings: the belief that he could sense nearby sharks while surfing.
Speak with The everyday beasta friend of the late surfer confirmed Perry’s frequent encounters with sharks at his favorite spot in Oahu, known for its shark presence.
The friend explained that Perry often “mentioned seeing them and feeling their presence” in the water.
Whether it was creepy or poetic, tragedy struck when the surfing icon decided to catch some waves during his lunch break from lifeguards.
On Sunday, Perry was found with a missing arm and leg by local surfers near Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore.
In July 2015, he wrote a post on Facebook about surfer Mick Fanning’s encounter with two sharks in South Africa, recognizing man’s fallibility in the face of predators. Commenting on the incident, he said: ‘It is a good indication that Jesus’ mercy is more than sufficient’ [sic]
He was transported to shore by jet ski after lifeguards found him in the water around 1 p.m. Paramedics pronounced him dead shortly afterwards, officials said at a news conference.
Rescuers added that Perry suffered more than just a shark bite when he was found.
Shark warnings were posted in the area by Ocean Safety personnel following the attack.
Born in 1975 in East Oahu, Perry made a name for himself as a pro surfer on the North Shore before transitioning to lifeguarding.
He started surfing at age 12, and by the time he was 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-footer had come a long way in developing a tube riding style, combining traits of Gerry Lopez and Tom Carroll, his two favorite old-school Pipeline surfers,” it reads.
Two years later, Perry triumphed at the Pipeline Masters. In 2005, his smile and calmness while charging giant waves made him a legend at Pipeline.
On Sunday, Perry was found by local surfers at Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore with an arm and a leg missing. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics
In recent years, Perry has worked with his wife Emilia to teach others to surf
He landed roles in the 2002 hit Blue Crush, Lost, the 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 spot for Coca-Cola, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.
Emilia was his business partner and together they co-founded the Oahu Surfing Experience in 2016.
“As a dedicated waterman, I have gained a tremendous 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 was close to losing his life, but was inspired to make the most of every day.
“A few years ago, while surfing Pipeline on the Extra Large size, I was involved in a near fatal experience,” he said, without going into details.
“The incident all happened because of someone else’s lack of awareness.
“The lessons I learned from that event inspired my goal of teaching proper surfing etiquette and safety to those I teach.”
Kurt Lager, acting chief of Honolulu Ocean Safety, said, “Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard beloved by all, a 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 everyone else more.
“Our condolences go out to Tamayo’s family and to the entire lifeguard Ohana. We ask for some privacy for his family at this time.”
Mayor Rick Blangiardi joined Lager in asking Perry’s family for time to grieve.
He said the community was reeling from a “tragic loss,” adding: “Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected […] a great member of our Ocean Safety team; It’s just really hard to imagine, so we just want to pay our respects to our guys.”
‘I hope everyone will wish the family all the honors and respect the situation.’
His charisma and skills landed 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 family, wrote a moving tribute on Facebook, saying, “The things we saw! 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 feel together is enormous.”
Perry’s death marks the second fatal shark attack Oahu has experienced this month.