
It’s a pirate’s life for some — living on the high seas, pillaging, plundering, rifling, looting, and, let’s not even think about the lack of hygiene on the ships. And it was really fun watching Captain Jack Sparrow cause absolute mayhem while also being the worst pirate we’ve ever heard of.
Disney first released Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, and it would launch one of the most successful franchises in history — grossing the company over $4 billion.
Over the years, Disney would make a total of five Pirates of the Caribbean movies — The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007), On Stranger Tides (2011), and Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). While the final two films were not as successful as the first three, they all still live on in the hearts and minds of Disney fans around the world.
Sadly, we have learned that one of the beloved actors in the hit franchise has died after being attacked by a shark.
Related: Disney Could Entirely Replace ‘Pirates’ Cast, Bring All New Look to Franchise
According to Stab Magazine, legendary pipeline surfer Tamayo Perry was killed while surfing off the shores of Oahu in Hawaii. He was surfing in an area called Goat Island on Oahu’s north shore when he was reportedly attacked. His body was found by other surfers on the beach, but he could not be saved. Mr. Perry reportedly was missing an arm and a leg when he was discovered.
Related: Johnny Depp Spotted on Disney Set, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ Confirmed
Although Mr. Perry starred in only a few movies during his time in Hollywood, they were well-known, especially to millennials. He first appeared in the popular film Blue Crush (2002), alongside Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez. He then appeared in an episode of Hawaii Five-O, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
While he was not known for his acting, he made a huge impact on the surfing community. He was born and raised in Hawaii and also protected those who lived on his island by being a professional lifeguard. He was known as one of the “most durable and committed pipeline specialists of all time.”
Stab Magazine also reported that this is the first time that a professional surfer has lost their life because of a shark attack. Bethany Hamilton — who made a name for herself as a young teenage professional surfer — lost her arm due to a shark bite in 2003. She now uses her story to inspire others.
We send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tamayo Perry.