Emilia Perry, a fellow surfer and Perry’s spouse, reflected on his passing: “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 at Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s North Shore. The Encyclopedia of Surfing notes that he was also a close friend of singer Jack Johnson and was born and raised on Oahu’s east side.

Perry and Emilia ran a surf school together on the North Shore, and on Monday, the surfing community came together to share their condolences.

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

We are deeply saddened by this loss. May Tamayo Perry rest in peace.

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