‘Love Island USA’ honors executive producer James Barker after sudden death in Fiji

“Love Island USA” paid tribute to one of its own on Tuesday evening… by honoring the executive producer James Barker following his death in Fiji last week.

At the end of Tuesday’s episode, “Love Island USA” aired a photo tribute to Barker, featuring photos of the longtime producer with his partner, Adam Rothas well as solo shots throughout his life. RÜFÜS OF THE SOIL“Next to Me” played over the montage, which ended with the message… “James Barker, We Love You.”

We broke the story… Barker deceased in Fiji after suffering what ITV America and Peacock described as an unexpected medical emergency while production on season 8 was underway.

In a statement to TMZ, ITV America and Peacock said… “The unimaginable loss of James was deeply felt not only across the entire production of Love Island USA, but across ITV and Peacock.”

They added… “He was a beloved and much-loved member of our collective family whose kindness, talent and dedication left an indelible mark on all of us and on all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. We extend our deepest condolences to James’ partner, family, friends and colleagues.”

Roth too common a moving tribute following his passing, calling James the “absolute light and love of my life” and saying he “brought joy and sparkle to everything he touched.”

Barker joined the “Love Island USA” franchise in 2020 as a story producer and worked his way up to executive producer, a role he has held for the past three seasons. He played a major role in both production and post-production.

RIP