'Love Island USA' Executive Producer's Partner Speaks Out After Tragic Death

The partner of James Barker, the executive producer of Love Island USA who died at 40 years old in Fiji, while filming the show's eighth season, has spoken out.

"James was the absolute light and love of my life. He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched," Adam Roth told PEOPLE. "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 two met while at a Billie Eilish concert and have been together for more than four years.

"James was such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on Love Island," Roth added. "We met at a Billie Eilish concert, and live music was a constant in our relationship."

He also reflected on the time they shared, in which he said it was "cut way too short, of course, but we took such advantage of the time we had together."



"I am so proud of the work he did and that he was surrounded by such an amazing team," Roth concluded. "His loss is unimaginable."

The news of Barker's death was reported by TMZ, with the network sharing a statement that said, "ITV America and Peacock will honor in Tuesday's episode of Love Island USA series Executive Producer James Barker, who passed away last week in Fiji after suffering an unexpected medical emergency."

"James' unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock," the statement continued. "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' partner, family, friends and colleagues."

Peacock also told TMZ that they will be honoring the executive producer in Tuesday's episode of Love Island USA.

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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 3:34 PM.