'Love Island USA' Executive Producer James Barker Dies in Fiji Amid Show's Production
James Barker, executive producer of Love Island USA, has died in Fiji while the show is filming its eighth season.
In a statement to TMZ, the network said, "ITV America and Peacock will honor in Tuesday's episode of Love Island USA series Executive Producer James Barker, who passed away last week in Fiji after suffering an unexpected medical emergency."
"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 continued. "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' partner, family, friends and colleagues."
No further details were provided on Barker's cause of death. He was 40 years old.
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According to Barker's LinkedIn, he joined ITV America in August 2020 as a story producer and worked on the hit reality dating series on and off before becoming a full-time executive producer in January 2026.
He contributed to both production and post-production of the show, and also oversaw the series' soundtrack.
Barker first began his television career in 2011 at Leftfield Pictures, where he worked as a producer on shows like Counting Cars, Forged in Fire, and Pawn Stars. In additional to Love Island USA and Love Island Games, Barker producer Queer Eye at ITV America.
The next episode of Love Island USA will stream on Peacock on Monday, June 15 at 9 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 12:14 PM.