Widow and friend remember Tamayo Perry, victim of shark attack

The widow and close friend of Tamayo Perry, a well-known surfer, actor and lifeguard, shared her heartfelt memories and thoughts following his tragic death in a shark attack off the coast of Hawaii.

In an exclusive interview with ABC News on “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, Emilia Perry spoke with sadness about the life and legacy of Tamayo Perry, a man celebrated for his deep faith and extraordinary surfing talent.

“The world knew Tamayo as a surfer and an actor, but to those who knew him best, he was a man of deep faith … now taken too soon,” Perry said. “I am so sad and devastated. But I also have a strange peace in my heart knowing he is in a better place.”

Perry was known for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Blue Crush and was a popular figure in the community.

“It was like I had the best 25-year vacation of my life with him. And now it’s over. Now I have to go back to reality,” Emilia said in an interview with ABC News’ Matt Rivers.

Jesse King, a close friend and co-worker, recounted how familiar Perry was with the waters where he met his untimely end. He said he knew the area where he died like the back of his hand as he paddled out into the waters off Goat Island on Sunday as he always did.

“There was nothing unusual that would suggest that something bad could happen to him that someone else might. Just a normal day,” King recalled.

Perry’s death is only the ninth fatal shark attack in Hawaii in the last thirty years. But despite the tragedy, his friends believe Perry would have encouraged others to continue enjoying the ocean.

“For people who are surfers and avid ocean users, we do it because we love it,” King said.

Emilia, who spent more than two decades of her life with Perry, added that he always had a profound impact on those around him.

King said he showed people “how to be a better person, how to love everyone you have, because you never know when they’re going to be taken away from you.”

Perry’s deep Christian faith remained a source of strength and comfort in his final days. He even texted his family: “I can’t wait to meet the King. I’m excited. But I’m not afraid. We need to pray, forgive and love.”

Perry, 49, had been a lifeguard with Honolulu Ocean Safety since 2016. He was a local surf coach and competed in the Pipeline Master Trials for years, according to his official bio on his coach page.