Love Island USA executive producer dies at 40 during production in Fiji

James Barker, an executive producer on Love Island USA, has died at age 40.

Barker died last week in Fiji, where he was on-site for production on the current season of the hit Peacock dating show.

ITV America and Peacock confirmed that Barker died after suffering an unexpected medical emergency on the South Pacific island. Further details about his death remain unclear.

“James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock,” the networks said in a joint statement shared with The Independent.

“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’ family, friends and colleagues.”

Tuesday’s new episode of Love Island USA season eight will honor Barker, show officials said.

The producer started working on Love Island USA in 2020. He started as a story producer and worked his way up to the executive producer position, which he held for the past three seasons.

“His ubiquitous contributions to the show covered both production and post production, as well as oversight of the series’ distinct soundtrack,” the statement continued.

Barker started working as a TV producer in 2011 at Leftfield Pictures, where he worked on shows like Counting Cars, Forged in Fire and Pawn Stars.

At ITV America, he produced Queer Eye before working as an executive producer on Love Island USA and Love Island Games, as well as a consulting producer on Love Island: Beyond the Villa. He also worked on shows for Scout Productions, Sharp Entertainment and Kinetic Content.

In addition to his work in television, Barker performed as a DJ and was passionate about music.

“James’ passion for music was not only core to his career but shaped his life,” the statement said. “He spent 20 years DJ’ing across the country building a dedicated following of fans.”

Barker is survived by his partner, Adam, who Peacock and ITV said he met at a show.

Season eight of Love Island USA is currently airing each night except for Wednesdays, with episodes available to stream on Peacock.

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