“A lifeguard loved by all,” Honolulu Ocean Safety Acting Chief Kurt Lager said while paying tribute to Perry, who died at age 49.

Lifeguard and actor Tamayo Perry has died in a shark attack at age 49.

On Sunday, June 23, Perry — who worked as a City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguard — was tragically killed while surfing off the coast of Oahu in Hawaii.

Shayne Enright of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department stated in a press conference that they reacted to calls about a surfer being attacked near Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore just before 1 p.m.

“As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for all of us. I ask for your kindness and your patience as we all just try to get through this next hour into these next weeks and months,” said Enright. Honolulu Ocean Safety rushed to the scene on jet skis and brought Perry back to shore.

Unfortunately, upon reaching the shore, Honolulu EMS personnel had to pronounce him dead.

Perry had been featured in blockbuster movies including 2011’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and the 2002 film Blue Crush, among other films.

During the conference, Kurt Lager described Perry as “a lifeguard loved by all.”

Lager added, “He’s well known on the North Shore. He’s a professional surfer known worldwide.”

He also highlighted Tamayo’s bright and infectious personality, emphasizing how much he reciprocated the love and respect he received from others.

It’s a solemn reminder of the risks involved in ocean activities. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi shared his thoughts, saying, “Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected.”

Perry began his esteemed career with the Honolulu Ocean Safety department in July 2016. Following the tragic incident, the department has posted shark warnings in the area to ensure the safety of others.