Pirates of the Caribbean star Tamayo Perry admitted ‘sharks freak me out’ in tragic post before fatal attack

A HEARTBREAKING post from a Pirates of the Caribbean star has resurfaced days after his untimely death.

In 2015, the actor, Tamayo Perry, spoke about his fear of sharks after a fellow surfer was mauled.

6Tamayo Perry, 49, died after appearing to be attacked by a sharkCredit: AFP

6Tamayo Perry was known for his surfing as well as staring in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger TidesCredit: Instagram/ Tamayo Perry

On June 23, Perry’s body was found while he was surfing off Goat Island, near Laie, Hawaii – about 32 miles north of Honolulu.

Lifeguards found the actor and took him to shore using a jetski around 1 pm, officials told the Star-Advertiser

The 49-year-old had several shark bites on his body, according to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services.

Before his death, the actor and surfer spoke out about how dangerous sharks could be after news of Mick Fanning’s attack circulated on social media.

“It’s a great indication that Jesus’ mercy is more than sufficient,” he said about Fanning on Facebook.

“Regardless, sharks freak me out and I’m glad the Good Lord had Mick’s back today. Only the Lord can say when it’s your time.”

The actor was said to have a great fascination with sharks.

One of his friends told the Daily Beast that he spent almost every day surfing in northeast Oahu, a spot known for sharks.

They said that he “always alluded to the fact that he has seen them and felt their presence.”

He later questioned his fans about this on social media, wondering if anyone else had the same affliction.

Tamayo Perry’s wife Emilia Perry

“Can people smell sharks around??? I don’t know if it’s my imagination but I swear I can smell when they’re around,” Perry wrote in a June 2019 Facebook post.

‘LOVED BY ALL’

Perry grew up in Oahu, Hawaii where he was able to make a name for himself as a brilliant Pipeline surfer.

In 1999, he became a champion at the Pipe Masters trial and then went to surf at Teahupoo in Tahiti.

His talent quickly garnered the attention of Hollywood and he starred in major hits like Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Blue Crush, and also had a role in Hawaii Five-0.

Perry was a longtime lifeguard in the area and often taught people about the joy of surfing as well.

Reactions to Actor/Surfer Tamayo Perry’s Death

After dying from a tragic shark attack in Hawaii, reactions and tributes for actor and professional surfer, Tamayo Perry:

The World Surf League:We are deeply saddened to share that the surf community lost a beloved icon yesterday. A well-known surfer and lifeguard, Tamayo Perry, passed away after injuries from a shark attack that occurred on the East Side of Oahu.

Tamayo was a Pipeline/Teahupo’o specialist, freesurfer, former competitor, and member of the WSL for many years. He became a lifeguard for the city and was a big part of the North Shore community.

Our hearts go out to Tamayo’s family and friends.Surfing Reporter Shannon Marie Quirk:RIP Tamayo Perry, The Pipeline specialist and Honolulu County Lifeguard will be dearly missed by the entire North Shore community. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends.

@SheareenR on X, formerly Twitter:I just heard an old friend Tamayo Perry died from a shark attack on Oahu at Goat Island. So sad. He was a sweetheart.@JacobJMV on X, formerly Twitter:Love you Tamayo Perry. Losing one of the best Kanakas ever.@PezmanWx on X, formerly Twitter:Brah, in absolute shock. Had so many visits talking story to him at Pounders over the years stoked on life and the Ohana. Can’t even process this.

The news of his death completely shocked the community.

“Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all, well-known on the North Shore, a professional surfer known worldwide around the world,” said Acting Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager in a statement.

“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’re asking for some privacy for his family at this time.”

Mayor Rick Blangiardi spoke out about Perry’s death, calling it a “tragic loss.”

“It’s just really hard to imagine, so we just want to pay our respects to our guys,” he said.

“I hope everyone wishes the family the best honors and respects the situation.”

Jason Bitzer, a friend of Perry’s shared a heartbreaking tribute to his friend on Facebook writing, “The things we have seen! My brother in Christ I love you brah! Tamayo, I won’t get over this until I see you in heaven.

“Tamayo Perry you weren’t my friend you were my brother, the pain we’re collectively feeling is immense.”