‘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.”
