Partner pays tribute as Love Island USA employee dies during filming of current season
While the UK edition of Love Island is currently taking place in its home of Mallorca, Love Island USA is also taking place over in Fiji.
But sad news has come out from the sister show as an executive producer has tragically died during filming. James Barker died last week on the South Pacific island with today’s (16 June) episode set to honour him.
His partner, Adam Roth, has paid tribute to the crew member who started off on Love Island USA back in 2020 as a story producer.
According to ITV America and Peacock, the 40-year-old died ‘after suffering an unexpected medical emergency’ with details surrounding his death during the filming of the dating show remaining unclear.
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Roth called his partner the ‘absolute light and love of my life’.
Sharing a statement with NBC News, he continued: “He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched. James was such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on Love Island.”
Roth said he met Barker at a Billie Eilish concert as ‘live music was a constant in our relationship’.
He continued: “I am so proud of the work he did and that he was surrounded by such an amazing team. His loss is unimaginable.
“While it was not enough, I am so thankful for the time we had and the memories we made together.”
The statement from ITV America and Peacock added: “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’ family, friends and colleagues.”
Barker’s career in the TV industry started off back in 2011 the statement added, as he worked as a producer on the likes of Pawn Stars, Counting Cars and Forged Fire.
And then as he joined ITV, he worked on the popular Queer Eye before going on the become a producer on Love Island USA and Love Island Games.
Having started off when he was 18, Barker has also been performing as a DJ for over 20 years as DJ Chaotic.
He helped to co-found a monthly Brooklyn-based party called Poppers which he hosted ‘whenever young hot people’ weren't ‘making out in a villa on Peacock’.
Topics: Entertainment, Love Island, TV and Film
Jess Battison