Love Island USA paid tribute to late executive producer James Barker at the end of the latest episode.
As the June 16 episode concluded, the show honored the longtime employee, who lost his life during the filming of Season 8 in Fiji. Host Ariana Madix shared with the contestants, “None of us know how long we’ve got. For some, that time can be cut way too short. So please cherish every moment.”
The episode then concluded with a photo montage simply titled, “For James.” The images included the 40-year-old smiling at concerts, poolside and with friends. It ended with his name, followed by one last photo. The final image was a card which read, “We love you.”
The touching tribute to James Barker
While working on the show in Fiji, James suffered an “unexpected medical emergency” last week, according to ITV America and Peacock. His shocking death was confirmed on June 15.
“James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt … throughout all of ITV and Peacock,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “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,” the statement concluded.
James started as a story producer on Love Island USA in 2020. A year later, he was promoted to executive producer and filled that position for the past three seasons. His job on the show included both production and post-production work, as well as the show’s soundtrack.
On June 3, James celebrated his co-workers and the launch of Love Island Season 8 in an Instagram post. “We come to Fiji for magic,” he wrote. “We come to @loveislandusa to laugh, to cry, to care … Hope you’re all enjoying the new season brought to you by a huge squad of brilliant people.”
Love Island USA is streaming on Peacock.
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