“Love Island USA” executive producer James Barker died in Fiji while filming Season 8 of the dating series last week. He was 40.
“ITV America and Peacock will honor in Tuesday’s episode of ‘Love Island USA’ series Executive Producer James Barker, who passed away last week in Fiji after suffering an unexpected medical emergency,” the network confirmed to Page Six on Monday.
“James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock.”
The network’s statement continued, “He was a beloved and greatly valued member of our collective family whose kindness, talent and dedication left an indelible mark on all of us and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to James’ partner, family, friends and colleagues.”
A cause of death for Barker has not been revealed.
Barker began his run on “Love Island” in 2020, working as a supervising producer on Season 3, per his LinkedIn.
He also worked on the spin-off series “Love Island Games,” working his way up to executive producer.
The businessman worked alongside a team of editors and producers to create a quick 24-hour turnaround and release six episodes of the show per week.
Barker got his start in the industry in 2011, working at the video production company Leftfield Pictures.
He was originally employed as an office coordinator before being promoted to associate producer a year later. He eventually took on the role of story producer with the company.
Additionally, Barker worked on the Hulu dating series “Are You My First?” and the competition series “Claim to Fame.”
Barker also produced the Emmy-winning Netflix series “Queer Eye.”
Additionally, he had worked as a DJ for the past 20 years and met his partner, Adam, at a show. According to ITV America and Peacock, the couple “shared love of music [which] was at the center of the life they built together — both at home and experiencing music all over the world.”
“Love Island USA” premiered its Season 8 earlier this month.
