‘Love Island USA’ executive producer James Barker passed away last week. Officials have revealed that James, 40, died while filming the final season.
James Barker has died aged 40: official statement ITV America and Peacock
According to a statement released by ITV America and Peacock, James Barker died during filming in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji. Although the cause of death has not been disclosed, it is believed to have been an unexpected medical emergency. Extending their condolences, the broadcasters said: “James’ loss has been unimaginable not only across the production of Love Island USA, but across ITV and Peacock.” “He was a beloved and much-appreciated member of our collective family whose kindness, talent and dedication left an indelible impression on us and all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Our condolences go out to James’ partner, family, friends and colleagues,” the statement concluded.In 2020, James Barker served as the reality show’s story producer, and was then promoted to executive producer for six years, NBC News reported. The outlet added that officials will put on a special show on June 16 in honor of James Barker.
Tributes pour in after James Barker’s death
The news of his death broke everyone’s heart. The show’s producer, Raf Thompson, took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to James. He wrote: “Absolutely devastated to hear that my colleague James Barker has passed away. James was the one who hired me for the show. This is terrible and a complete tragedy for our Love Island USA family. There simply is no show without James.”“He was a visionary and creative genius who revolutionized Love Island USA to the heights we see today,” he wrote before extending prayers for his grieving family and friends: “This is a tremendous loss for all of us, and I will be praying for his partner, friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace brother. #LoveIsland.”
The Voyage of James Barker
James Barker’s career in reality television began in 2011. Over the years, he worked on shows like ‘Counting Cars’, ‘Forged in Fire’ and ‘Pawn Stars’, according to ITV. Before her success on ‘Love Island USA’, she also worked on the Emmy-winning ‘Queer Eye’.
