Key facts
- James Barker, executive producer for Love Island USA, has died at age 40.
- His death occurred in Fiji due to an unexpected medical emergency.
- Barker was working on the current season of Love Island USA at the time of his passing.
- He had a career spanning over a decade in reality television, contributing to shows like Pawn Stars and Queer Eye.
- ITV America and Peacock released a joint statement mourning his loss and highlighting his kindness and dedication.
James Barker, an executive producer known for his work on the reality series Love Island USA, has died at the age of 40. His unexpected passing occurred in Fiji following a medical emergency, according to statements from ITV America and Peacock.
Barker had been actively involved in the production of the current season of Love Island USA. Colleagues and the production companies remembered him as a creative force and a valued member of their team, whose kindness, talent, and dedication left a significant impact.
His career in television began in 2011, with early work on shows such as Counting Cars, Forged in Fire, and Pawn Stars, where he served as a story producer for 145 episodes. He later contributed to Netflix's Queer Eye before joining Love Island USA in 2020 as a story producer, eventually rising to the executive producer role. Barker also worked on Love Island Games and other projects, including Prime Video's Cosmic Love and the Hulu series Are You My First?.
The entertainment industry is mourning his loss, with the show expected to feature a tribute to Barker in an upcoming episode.