James Barker is dead at 40 years old.
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The news was confirmed by ITV America and Peacock and reported by Deadline. The Love Island USA producer suffered an unexpected medical emergency in Fiji, where the dating series is filmed. The details of his death are unclear.
Who is James Barker?
Barker began his television career 15 years ago at Leftfield Pictures. The production company is known for its unscripted content. Barker worked as a producer on such shows as Forged in Fire and Pawn Stars.
After working on similar shows for other production companies, he joined ITV America. There, he began producing the hit Queer Eye and several seasons of Love Island USA and Love Island Games.
Barker Worked His Way to Executive Producer on "Love Island USA"
Barker's time on Love Island USA began in 2020, when he started as a story producer. His contributions to the hit reality dating show included production, post-production, and supervising the show's soundtrack.
Barker worked his way up to the role of executive producer, a title he held during the show's last three seasons.
"James' unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock," said ITV America and Peacock in a joint statement. "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 tribute to Barker will be featured on the Tuesday, June 16, episode of Love Island USA.
Barker met his partner while working as a DJ for two decades. "Their shared love of music was at the center of the life they built together — both at home and experiencing music all over the world," the statement read.
The eighth season of Love Island USA premiered earlier this month on Peacock. The audience then chooses their favorite attractive couples who hook up in a secluded villa. Airing every day except Wednesday, the show also features numerous twists that test each couple's loyalty to their partner.
