Love Island USA executive producer James Barker’s partner, Adam Roth, is speaking out following his loved one’s unexpected death.
“James was the absolute light and love of my life,” Roth shared with People on Monday, June 15. “He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched.”
Roth and Barker lived together in Brooklyn, New York and had been together for more than four years. When looking back on their love story, Roth simply said it was “cut way too short.”
“But we took such advantage of the time we had together,” he shared. “While it was not enough, I am so thankful for the time we had and the memories we made together.”
Earlier in the day, Peacock confirmed that Barker had died after an “unexpected medical emergency” in Fiji, where Love Island USA is currently being filmed. His official cause of death has yet to be revealed.
“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 in a statement to Us Weekly. “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 is expected to be honored during the Tuesday, June 16, episode of Love Island USA.
“James was such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on Love Island. We met at a Billie Eilish concert, and live music was a constant in our relationship,” Roth shared with People. “I am so proud of the work he did and that he was surrounded by such an amazing team. His loss is unimaginable.”
Barker started working on Love Island USA in 2020, beginning as a story producer and working his way to executive producer — a position he held for the past three seasons.
Outside of Love Island USA, Barker had the opportunity to work on shows like Counting Cars, Forged in Fire, Queer Eye and the iconic Pawn Stars.
Outside of TV, he spent 20 years DJ’ing across the country and built a dedicated following of fans.
After Barker met Roth at a show, the pair celebrated their major relationship milestones on social media.
“Did we just buy a condo? Apartment? Whatever it is, it feels like home,” Roth wrote via Instagram in January. “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. Here’s to our new adventure and once again, thanks Billie! 🏠💚💸.”
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock at 9 p.m. ET.
