Love Island USA executive producer James Barker died last week in Fiji while filming Season 8 of the dating series. He was 40 years old.
“ITV America and Peacock pay tribute to James Barker, executive producer of the Tuesday series of Love Island USA. Mr. Barker passed away in Fiji last week after suffering an unexpected medical emergency,” the network confirmed to Page Six on Monday.
“James’ unimaginable loss was felt deeply not only throughout the production of Love Island USA, but across ITV and Peacock.”
The network’s statement continued: “He was a beloved and much-cherished member of our family, and his kindness, talent and dedication left an indelible mark on all of us and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to James’ partner, family, friends and colleagues.”
Barker’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
Barker began production on “Love Island” in 2020 and worked as a supervising producer on season 3, according to LinkedIn.
He also worked on the spin-off series Love Island Games, rising to executive producer.
The businessman worked with a team of editors and producers to achieve a rapid turnaround time of 24 hours and release six shows each week.
Barker began his career in the industry in 2011 working for video production company Leftfield Pictures.
He was initially hired as an office coordinator and was promoted to associate producer after a year. He eventually took on the role of story producer for the company.
In addition, Barker worked on Hulu’s dating series “Are You My First?” and the competition series “Claim to Fame.”
Barker also produced the Emmy Award-winning Netflix series “Queer Eye.”
Additionally, he has been working 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 a love of music that was at the heart of the life they built together, both at home and experiencing music around the world.”
Season 8 of “Love Island USA” premiered earlier this month.
