'Love Island USA' executive producer dies during season 8 filming

A "Love Island USA" executive producer has died in Fiji, where season 8 of the popular reality dating television show is currently being filmed. 

James Barker passed away last week after suffering an "unexpected medical emergency," according to TMZ.

ITV America, the largest independent unscripted television producer in the United States, and Peacock confirmed the news about Barker, 40, on Monday, and told TMZ that they plan to honor him in Tuesday’s episode of the hit reality show. 

"Love Island USA" is produced by ITV America and airs on Peacock. 

RELATED: Anne Schedeen, actress who played mom on 'ALF,' dies at 77

Barker began working on "Love Island USA" in 2020 and started on the show as a story producer before working as executive producer for the past three seasons. Barker also contributed to the television show’s production and post-production and supervised the show’s soundtrack. 

People reported that Barker began his television career at Leftfield Pictures in 2011, when he worked as a producer on "Counting Cars," "Forged in Fire" and "Pawn Stars." 

Barker later went on to produce "Queer Eye" at ITV America before his work on "Love Island USA" and "Love Island Games." 

ITV America and Peacock release statement on James Barker

What they're saying:

ITV America and Peacock released a statement, obtained by Variety, remembering James Barker, writing, "James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire ‘Love Island USA’ production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock. 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."

 

Entertainment