Love Island USA producer James Barker has died while filming Season 8 of the Peacock reality series. According to a statement from Peacock, the veteran producer passed away following an “unexpected medical emergency.”

Love Island executive producer James Barker dies after an ‘unexpected medical emergency’

Love Island USA producer James Barker has died while filming the show in Fiji. Barker had worked on the Peacock reality series since 2020. The network released a statement mourning the loss of one of its longtime producers. He was 40 years old.

“James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock,” a joint statement from ITV America and Peacock read. “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,” the statement continued.

The statement further added, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to James’ partner, family, friends, and colleagues.”

At this time, no additional details regarding the circumstances of Barker’s death have been publicly disclosed.

Barker joined Love Island USA in 2020 as a story producer before working his way up to executive producer ahead of season four. He had been a key figure in the past few seasons of the show.

As a nod to his contribution to the reality TV show, the show is set to honor him in the June 16 episode of the current season (via E! Online).

Throughout his time on the show, Barker often spoke about how much the series meant to him.

Before his work on Love Island USA, Barker worked on programs including Counting Cars, Pawn Stars, and Forged in Fire.

Barker is survived by his partner, Adam Roth.