“Love Island USA” Producer James Barker's Partner Speaks Out After His Sudden Death: 'His Loss Is Unimaginable'

Adam Roth says James Barker "brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched" after the executive producer's death in Fiji at age 40

NEED TO KNOW

• Love Island USA executive producer James Barker died in Fiji at age 40 while filming season 8
• Barker’s partner, Adam Roth, says he was the “absolute light and love of my life”
• Roth said the couple met at a Billie Eilish concert and were together for four and a half years

Love Island USA executive producer James Barker is being remembered by his partner after his sudden death at age 40.

The producer died last week after an "unexpected medical emergency" in Fiji, where season 8 of the reality series is currently filming, ITV America and Peacock confirmed on Monday, June 15.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Adam Roth reflects on the life they built together and the impact Barker had on both the TV and music communities.

"James was the absolute light and love of my life. He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched," Roth says.

Roth, 48, is the CEO and founder of Silent Partner Advisory, which supports cultural organizations through strategy, business development and corporate sponsorships. He and Barker lived together in Brooklyn, N.Y., and had been together for four-and-a-half years.

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

In January, Roth celebrated the couple's purchase of their Brooklyn home on Instagram. "Did we just buy a condo? Apartment? Whatever it is, it feels like home," he wrote. "We moved in almost two years ago and when presented with the opportunity to purchase we couldn't think of anywhere else we wanted to live."

Looking back on their relationship, Roth says, "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 adds. "His loss is unimaginable."

Barker joined Love Island USA in 2020 and went on to serve as executive producer for the show's last three seasons. He also worked on Love Island Games and previously held producing roles on Queer Eye, Pawn Stars and Forged in Fire.

Following news of Barker's death, ITV America and Peacock released a joint statement honoring the producer's legacy.

"James' unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock," the companies said. "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."

Barker will be honored during the Tuesday, June 16 episode of Love Island USA.

Roth says he remains grateful for the years they shared. "While it was not enough, I am so thankful for the time we had and the memories we made together."

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