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James Barker, an executive producer on Love Island USA, has died at the age of 40 after suffering what networks described as an "unexpected medical emergency" while filming the show in Fiji.
ITV America and Peacock confirmed Barker's death on June 15, revealing that he passed away last week as production continued on Season 8 of the hit reality dating series. Further details about the medical emergency have not been released.
In a joint statement, the networks said Barker's loss had been felt throughout the production team and beyond.
"James' unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock," the statement read. "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."
The companies added: "We extend our heartfelt condolences to James' family, friends and colleagues."
Barker joined Love Island USA in 2020 as a story producer and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming executive producer for the show's last three seasons. He also played a key role in production, post-production and the series' music direction. His work extended to Love Island Games, the franchise's spin-off series.
The show will honour Barker during its June 16 episode.
His partner, Adam Roth, paid tribute in a statement to NBC News, describing Barker as "the absolute light and love of my life."
"He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched," Roth said. "James was such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on 'Love Island.'"
"I am so proud of the work he did and that he was surrounded by such an amazing team. His loss is unimaginable," he added.
Before joining Love Island, Barker built a successful television career working on series including Pawn Stars, Counting Cars and Forged in Fire. He later contributed to the Emmy-winning Queer Eye and also worked on projects for several major production companies.
Outside television, Barker was passionate about music and spent two decades working as a DJ.
Just days before his death, Barker celebrated the launch of the new season of Love Island USA on social media, praising the team behind the series and the experience of bringing the show to viewers from Fiji.
