During a press conference, Acting Chief Kurt Lager of Honolulu Ocean Safety expressed the depth of the loss: “Tamayo Perry was a beloved member of our community, both as a lifeguard and a person.”
Perry’s wife, Emilia, also a surfer, shared her thoughts through her grief: “While this is a deeply painful loss, he passed doing what he loved, in the place he loved.”
Perry’s extraordinary surfing talent, especially at Pipeline, earned him admiration and respect. He and Emilia also ran a surf school, where they mentored young surfers and inspired others in their community.
As word of his passing spread, tributes poured in from around the surfing world. Surfing legend Kelly Slater shared a heartfelt message: “This is hard to believe… You truly lived the life you loved.”
Tamayo Perry’s passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, and the wider surfing community. Our deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.
Please share this story with your family and friends on Facebook.