Surfing legend and actor Tamayo Perry's eerie post about shark-infested waters is revealed after his death
Legendary surfer and actor Tamayo Perry posted eerie messages about shark-infested waters, and how he was 'freaked' out by the animals, years before his death.
A native of Oahu, Hawaii, the skilled surfer's unparalleled charisma landed him roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Blue Crush before his fatal shark attack last week.
Perry's knowledge of the surfing community and passion for water safety was reflected by his fascination with sharks, which he mused about often on his Facebook page.
In July 2015, he wrote a post on Facebook about surfer Mick Fanning's encounter with two sharks in South Africa, recognizing man's fallibility in the face of predators.
He commented on the ordeal: 'It's a great indication that Jesus' mercy is more than sufficient' [sic].
'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.'
Surfing legend Tamayo Perry, 49, died in a shark attack on Sunday
Perry's knowledge of the surfing community and passion for water safety was reflected by his fascination with sharks, which he mused about often on his Facebook page
In a separate post, the 49-year-old openly declared himself a 'Jaws Fan.' There was even a recurring theme in his online ponderings: a belief he could sense sharks nearby while surfing.
Speaking to The Daily Beast, a friend of the late surfer confirmed Perry's frequent encounters with sharks at his favorite Oahu spot, known for its shark presence.
The friend elaborated that Perry would often 'mention seeing them and feeling their presence' in the water.
Whether eerie or poetic, tragedy struck when the surfing icon decided to catch some waves on his lunch break from lifeguard duties.
On Sunday, Perry was found with an arm and leg missing by local surfers off Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu's North Shore.
In July 2015, he wrote a post on Facebook about surfer Mick Fanning's encounter with two sharks in South Africa , recognizing man's fallibility in the face of predators. He commented on the incident, stating, 'It's a great indication that Jesus' mercy is more than sufficient' [sic]
He was transported to shore by jet ski after lifeguards found him in the water around 1 pm. Paramedics pronounced him dead shortly after, officials said in a news conference.
First responders added Perry suffered more than just a shark bite when he was found.
Shark warnings were posted in the area by Ocean Safety personnel following the attack.
A 1975 east Oahu native, Perry made his mark as a pro surfer on the North Shore before transitioning to lifeguarding.
He started surfing at the age of 12, and by the time he was a teenager, Perry was considered the 'quiet up-and-coming local boy who had to borrow surf boards because he had no sponsors,' according to The Encyclopedia of Surfing.
'By 1997, the wiry goofy-footer had gone a long way to developing a tube riding style, combining traits from Gerry Lopez and Tom Carroll, his two favorite old-school Pipeline surfers,' it says.
Two years later, Perry triumphed at the Pipeline Masters. By 2005, his smile and composure while charging giant waves made him a legend at Pipeline.
On Sunday, Perry was found off Mālaekahana Beach on Oahu's North Shore by local surfers with an arm and a leg missing. He was declared dead by paramedics at the scene
In recent years, Perry worked with his wife, Emilia, teaching others how to surf
He landed roles in the 2002 hit Blue Crush, Lost, the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Hawaii Five-0.
Perry also did commercials for Nissan Xterra, which aired during NFL playoffs and the Winter Olympics, as well as a spot for Coca-Cola, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.
Emilia was his business partner and together they co-founded the Oahu Surfing Experience in 2016.
'As a devoted waterman, I've gained a tremendous amount of knowledge, not only from what I've accomplished, but also from what I've suffered,' he wrote in his bio for the surfing school.
In the blurb, Perry revealed that he came close to losing his life but was inspired to make the most of each day as a result.
'A number of years ago, while surfing Pipeline on the Extra Large size, I was involved in a near fatal experience,' he said, without going into specifics.
'The incident happened all because of someone else's lack of awareness.
'The lessons I've taken from that event have inspired me to my goal of instilling proper surf etiquette and safety to those whom I teach.'
Honolulu Ocean Safety Acting Chief Kurt Lager said: 'Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all, well-known on the North Shore, a professional surfer known worldwide around the world.
'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 joined Lager in requesting Perry's family be given time to grieve.
He said the community was reeling from a 'tragic loss', adding: 'Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected [...] a great member of our Ocean Safety team; it's just really hard to imagine, so we just want to pay our respects to our guys.'
'I hope everyone wishes the family the best honors and respects the situation.'
His charisma and skills landed him roles in Hollywood films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Perry appeared in the 2002 hit Blue Crush which starred Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez and Sanoe Lake
Jason Bitzer, who considered Perry to be like family, wrote a touching tribute on Facebook, sharing: '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.'
The last fatal shark incident in Hawaii was December 30 when a man surfing off Maui was attacked about 150 yards from shore.