Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues in Ocean Safety during this incredibly difficult time.”

Blangiardi praised Perry’s unwavering dedication, calling him a man of “bravery, commitment, and a deep sense of duty,” adding that his legacy as a protector of the ocean and the community would never be forgotten.

According to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, Perry was fatally injured in a shark attack near Goat Island on June 23, just before 1 p.m. A witness who called emergency services reported that the surfer’s body bore multiple bite wounds.

Lifeguards retrieved Perry from the water using a Jet Ski, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Honolulu Ocean Safety’s Acting Chief Kurt Lager honored Perry’s legacy, stating, “Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all.”

Perry’s wife, Emilia, also a surfer, shared a heartfelt tribute: “Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved, in the place he loved most.”

A revered figure in the surfing world, Perry was widely recognized for his mastery of Pipeline, one of the most famous and challenging surf breaks in the world, located off Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s North Shore. According to Surfer magazine, his name was synonymous with courage, skill, and an unbreakable connection to the ocean.