Johnny Depp remembers co-star’s ‘zest for life’ after Pirates of the Caribbean surfer was killed in shark attack

Johnny Depp has paid tribute to former Pirates of the Caribbean co-star Tamayo Perry after his death.

Perry, 49, was reportedly found with an arm and a leg missing and later died after being attacked by a shark while surfing near Goat Island, close to Oahu in Hawaii, authorities said.

First responders said he appeared to have suffered ‘more than one possible shark bite.’

Captain Jack Sparrow actor Depp, 61, paid tribute to the star, who played a buccaneer in the franchise’s fourth film, On Stranger Tides, in 2011.

Sharing a picture of Tamayo in a wetsuit and holding a surfboard, Depp wrote: ‘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.’

The Jeanne du Barry actor also shared a link to a GoFundMe page set up by Perry’s loved ones, which has so far raised more than $118,000 (£92,000).

A message on the page reads: ‘Tamayo Perry joined our Heavenly Father on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

‘We all want to be the hero of our own story, one of the redeeming characteristics of humanity is our desire to follow our convictions always and without fear. Few of us are able to truly be that hero, Tamayo Perry was is and will be forever.

‘He was everyone’s big brother, stern and uncompromising with an infectious and kolohe smile. He was your rescuer in time of need, your safety when all things fell apart. He was a knight forged in the fires of the North Shore in the 90’s, his faith in Christ the rock upon which he stood.

‘Few are those who truly follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Tamayo never took his eyes off the path. 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.’

The lifeguard’s surfing skills landed him roles in the 2002 hit Blue Crush, Lost, the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Hawaii Five-0.

An update on the fundraising page thanked contributors for their generosity, writing: ‘Aloha Family and Friends, The amount of love and support received is overwhelming and incredibly humbling.

‘We invite you to join us as we celebrate Tamayo Perry’s life at Ehukai Beach Park on Sunday, July 14th at 3pm.

‘The generosity shown is deeply moving. These funds will be used to support Emilia as she navigates the future without Tamayo; her husband, best friend and provider. We will continue to share Tamayo’s message of love, faith in Jesus Christ, and living life to the absolute fullest with the people you care about.’

They also shared a quote from 1 Corinthians 13:13, reading: ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.’

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