Perry “exemplified bravery, commitment and a deep sense of duty, serving our community with unwavering dedication. His heroic actions and tireless efforts to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors will never be forgotten,” Blangiardi added.

The Honolulu Emergency Services Department issued a statement writing a surfer was “fatally injured” in a shark attack off Goat Island on June 23, just before 1 p.m. local time.

The person who called the emergency services reported that the surfer’s body had multiple bite wounds.

His body was brought ashore by lifeguards using a Jet Ski, and EMS paramedics declared him dead at the scene, officials said. The surfer was identified as Perry, confirmed by Ocean Safety.

Acting Chief Kurt Lager of Honolulu Ocean Safety stated at a press conference, “Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all.”

Emilia Perry, a fellow surfer, said of her husband, “Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved, where he loved to do it.”

According to Surfer magazine, Perry was renowned for his expertise at Pipeline, one of the world’s most famous surf breaks, located off Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s north side.

The Encyclopedia of Surfing notes that he was close friends with singer Jack Johnson and was born and raised on Oahu’s east side.

Perry and his spouse ran a surf school together on the North Shore of Oahu.

On Monday, condolences poured in from across the surfing community.

“This one is hard to believe,” surfing legend Kelly Slater wrote, “Your truly lived the life you loved.”

We are so very sorry for this loss. May he rest in peace.

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