Johnny Depp pays emotional tribute to ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor killed by shark
Johnny Depp has paid tribute to his Pirates of the Caribbean co-star, Tamayo Perry, who was killed by a shark in Hawaii last month.
Tragically, Perry died off the coast of Hawaii on June 23rd during a shark attack. Since 2016, he’d been working as a lifeguard and surfing instructor in Oahu after leaving the world of cinema behind to dedicate his life to the water.
Before finding fame in Pirates of the Caribbean, Perry first gained prominence on the local scene in Oahu at the turn of the millennium, where he specialised in surfing ‘The Pipeline’, which led to him amassing a reputation that soon transcended the water sport.
In addition to appearing in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Perry also popped up in the 2002 surf drama Blue Crush, an episode of the Hawaii Five-0 reboot, and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.
While it’s been over a month since his passing, Depp has now taken the time to share a link to a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Perry’s widow, Emilia, begin “navigating the future” following his passing. She described him as “her husband, best friend and provider”.
The page also reads: “Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved where he loved to do it. We find strength in knowing he is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, trading barrels at Pipeline with his friends that have gone before him.”
Additionally, Depp shared the following personal message in remembrance of Perry on Instagram Stories: “Even though it was some years ago now, I remember Tamayo well. A lovely man, with a huge heart and zest for life… Emilia, I send you all my love and strength. You are in my thoughts. With love, Johnny.”
So far, the GoFundMe page has received over $118,000 in donations, but remains some way short of hitting the desired target of $200,000.
Following Perry’s passing, the CEO of the Ocean Safety department, Kurt Lager, described him as “a professional surfer known worldwide” and said, “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.”
Furthermore, Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi was another that shared a touching tribute regarding the “tragic loss” of a “legendary waterman” who was “highly respected” among the local community. “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,” he continued.
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