Love Island USA executive producer James Barker has died unexpectedly while working on the hit reality show’s eighth season.
Barker, 40, suffered an “unexpected medical emergency” last week while the Peacock series was being filmed, according to TMZ. His cause of death has not been confirmed.
His sudden death has shaken the Love Island USA team, along with the wider ITV America and Peacock family.
“James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock,” ITV America and Peacock said in a statement following his death.
Barker will be honored during the June 16 episode of Love Island USA, according to People.
The DJ and television producer began his career in TV in 2011, working on shows including Counting Cars, Forged in Fire and Pawn Stars.
He later worked on Netflix’s hit reality series Queer Eye before joining Love Island USA in 2020.
Barker spent the past three years as an executive producer on the show, where he helped oversee both the production and the soundtrack that became part of the show’s signature style.
Outside of TV, Barker was also known for his love of music and his career as a DJ.
Just days before his death, he shared a post on Instagram celebrating the launch of Love Island USA’s eighth season.
“Hope you’re all enjoying the new season brought to you by a huge squad of brilliant people, including the three models standing beside me,” Barker wrote.
Love Island USA, hosted by television personality Ariana Madix, has become one of Peacock’s biggest reality hits. The show is known for turning contestants into social media stars while drawing a large audience of younger viewers.
Its seventh season, which aired multiple episodes per week in summer 2025, became Peacock’s most-watched original season of all time.
Barker’s death comes as the newest season continues airing, with the production now preparing to honor one of the people who helped shape the series behind the scenes.
