9 hours ago
3
Ariana Madix honored James Barker, the executive producer of Love Island USA who died during a medical emergency in Fiji in June, following the season eight finale on July 12.
‘Love Island USA’ Producer James Barker's Death Was "Unpreventable" and "Sudden"
Love Island USA wrapped with a piece of its heart missing.
After season eight of the Peacock series came to an end on July 12, host Ariana Madix paid special tribute to the show’s executive producer James Barker, who died following a medical emergency during filming in June.
“As many of you know, we unexpectedly lost a dear friend this summer,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “James Barker is the kindest person you could ever meet with the kind of soul that truly radiates from within. We will miss him always.”
In addition to sharing the link to a fundraising page set up in Barker’s honor, Madix continued, “Thank you to James for touching all our lives with you amazing light. We miss you.”
Accompanying the message was a selfie of the Vanderpump Rules alum and Barker, both of whom smiled widely at the camera in the sweet snap.
Love Island USA’s production company ITV America and Peacock confirmed Barker’s death in June, noting he experienced 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 noted. “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.”
Ariana Madix/Instagram
Days later, his family shared additional insight into his June 12 passing, noting his death was “unpreventable and tragic.”
“Like everyone who loved him,” they wrote on a GoFundMe page, “we’re still struggling to comprehend a world without him.”
Barker’s partner Adam Roth called him “the absolute light and love of my life” in a June 15 statement shared with People. “He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched.”
Adam Roth/Instagram
Barker’s journey on the reality series began in 2020 as a story producer and quickly rised to executive producer ahead of season four.
For the 40-year-old, working on the drama-filled romance series was nothing short of a dream come true.
“The minute I heard #loveisland was coming to the US, I knew I had to be a part of it,” Barker wrote in an Instagram post shortly after season seven’s premiere in June 2025. “Now, 6 years later, we’re doing absurd numbers on @loveislandusa and I love my job more than I ever have. Congrats to the team, past and current. We did it.”
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
English (US) ·