‘Love Island USA’ Executive Producer James Barker Dies at 40 After Medical Emergency

The companies said Tuesday’s episode of the reality dating series would honor Barker.

Published: 6/17/2026, 4:47:35 AM EDT

‘Love Island USA’ Executive Producer James Barker Dies at 40 After Medical Emergency — An ambulance in a stock photo. (Shutterstock)

James Barker, an executive producer on “Love Island USA,” died last week in Fiji after an unexpected medical emergency. He was 40.

Season 8 of the reality series is currently being filmed there.

Barker’s death was confirmed in a joint statement from ITV America and Peacock, which said the loss has been widely felt across the production and broader television community.

“James' unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock,” the companies said in a statement obtained by NTD News. “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 said Tuesday’s episode of the reality dating series was in honor of Barker. The show, a U.S. adaptation of the British format, follows a group of singles living together in a villa while forming romantic connections, according to IMDb.

Barker joined “Love Island USA” in 2020 and went on to serve as executive producer for its final three seasons. He also worked on “Love Island Games” and previously held producing roles on “Queer Eye,” “Pawn Stars” and “Forged in Fire.” His credits also include “Cosmic Love.”

Tributes from colleagues and friends described Barker as both a talented producer and a deeply kind person.

Musician Kiesza wrote in a Tuesday Facebook post that Barker’s death was difficult to comprehend. “He was one of those people you couldn’t imagine the world without, because of what he put into it,” she wrote. “Anything he did, he did with all of his heart and there are so few people on this planet who that can be said of.”

Director Martinos Aristidou said in his own post Monday he was “shocked to hear of James Barker’s sudden passing,” recalling their work together on an ITV project. “Always with a smile and genuine inner glow even in the most stressful of circumstances,” he wrote.

Jennifer Stone, who said she attended high school with Barker, remembered him as “truly one of the good ones—kind, genuine, and just an incredible human being.”

Ginger Douglas, on Tuesday, credited Barker with supporting her early career. “I will always remember your kindness, your willingness to place your bet on a gal and push them to reach the stars,” she wrote.

ITV America and Peacock said Barker’s death is a significant loss and extended condolences to those closest to him. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to James' partner, family, friends and colleagues,” the companies said.

A cause of death was not disclosed.