‘Love Island USA’ executive producer James Barker dies in Fiji while filming, networks say – NBC News

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James Barker, an executive producer on “Love Island USA,” died “after suffering an unexpected medical emergency” while the show was filming in Fiji, according to ITV America and Peacock. He was 40.
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In a statement shared with NBC News, the networks said Barker died last week while filming on the South Pacific island after an unexpected medical emergency. Details surrounding his death remain unclear.
He will be honored in Tuesday’s episode of the show, the statement added.
“James was the absolute light and love of my life,” Barker’s partner, Adam Roth, said in a statement to NBC News.
“He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched. James was such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on “Love Island,” Roth continued.
He said the couple met at a Billie Eilish concert “and live music was a constant in our relationship.”
“I am so proud of the work he did and that he was surrounded by such an amazing team. His loss is unimaginable,” Roth continued. “While it was not enough, I am so thankful for the time we had and the memories we made together.”
Barker had been with the reality dating show since 2020, starting out as a story producer and working his way up to executive producer, a role he held for the 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,” the statement said.
“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,” it added.
TMZ was the first to report the news.
“Love Island USA” is in its 8th season, which premiered this month. The real-time dating competition releases new episodes daily, except Wednesdays, after its first week on Peacock. (Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News.)
Barker began his career in TV in 2011, working as a producer on shows such as “Counting Cars,” “Forged in Fire” and “Pawn Stars,” according to the statement.
When he joined ITV, the statement said, he worked on the Emmy-winning “Queer Eye” before becoming a producer on “Love Island USA” and “Love Island Games.”
Barker also spent 20 years DJing across the country, the statement said.
Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
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