Surfer and actor Tamayo Perry killed in shark attack in Hawaii: NPR

Tamayo Perry during a surfing competition in Teahupoo, Tahiti, French Polynesia. Perry died this week from injuries sustained in a shark attack.

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Professional surfer and lifeguard Tamayo Perry died on Sunday after being attacked by a shark off the coast of Oahu.

Perry, who was also an actor and stuntman, was attacked early Sunday afternoon while surfing at Malaekahana Beach on the north shore of Oahu. He was 49 years old.

Perry was brought ashore by Jet Ski and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, Shayne Enright, spokeswoman for the Honolulu emergency room, announced at a press conference.

“I ask for your kindness and patience as we all try to get through this next hour in these next weeks and months,” Enright said.

Kurt Lager, deputy chief of the Division of Marine Safety, described Perry as a world-class surfer and “a lifeguard loved by all.”

“Tamayo’s personality was infectious,” Lager said. “And as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else even more.”

In addition to his skills in the water, Perry also made a name for himself in Hollywood by taking on roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise and Hawaii Five-O.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi described Perry as a “legendary fisherman” who grew up on the island.