Ariana Madix paid tribute to Love Island USA producer James Barker after his unexpected death while production of Season 8 of the Peacock dating series was underway.
Amid the celebration of the Season 8 finale of the dating series, Madix took some time to remember Barker and call fans to contribute to a crowdfunding effort in his honor.
“As many of you know, we unexpectedly lost a dear friend this summer,” Madix shared on a post on Instagram Stories. “James Barker is the kindest person you could ever meet with the kind of soul that truly radiates from within.”
She continued, “We will miss him always. If anyone is so able to donate or to just share this, thank you. And thank you to James for touching all of our lives with your amazing light. We miss you.
Madix shared a link to a GoFundMe page dedicated in Barker’s honor “to help cover the costs of honoring James’ life with the celebration he deserves, as well as mortgage payments on the home he shared and adored with his partner, monthly bills, legal fees, and taxes.”
Barker died in June at the age of 40 after suffering an unexpected medical emergency, ITV America and Peacock confirmed.
“James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock,” ITV America and Peacock said in a joint 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’ partner, family, friends, and colleagues.”
Barker began his television career in 2011 at Leftfield Pictures, where he worked as a producer on shows like Counting Cars, Forged in Fire, and Pawn Stars. At ITV America, he produced Queer Eye and numerous seasons of Love Island USA and Love Island Games.
Ariana Madix’s tribute to James Barker
Instagram / arianamadix
