“Love Island USA” Producer James Barker's Partner Starts GoFundMe After 'Unpreventable and Tragic Sudden Death' at Age 40

Deirdre DurkanThu, July 2, 2026 at 7:26 PM UTC

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Credit: James Barker/Instagram -

A GoFundMe launched by Adam Roth is raising money to help cover expenses after James Barker’s sudden death

The fundraiser is set up to pay for Barker’s celebration of life, mortgage payments, bills, legal fees and taxes

Barker, an executive producer on Love Island USA, died in June at age 40 after an unexpected medical emergency in Fiji

Love Island USA executive producer James Barker’s loved ones are asking for support in the wake of his sudden death at age 40.

A GoFundMe launched by Barker’s partner, Adam Roth, is raising money to help cover immediate expenses after Barker’s death on June 12. As of Wednesday, July 2, the fundraiser had raised more than $16,000 toward its $75,000 goal.

“Our bright light, James Barker, died from an unpreventable and tragic sudden death on June 12th, 2026,” the fundraiser’s description reads. “Like everyone who loved him, we’re still struggling to comprehend a world without him.”

“There was no time to prepare for this, and in the wake of his death, his loved ones are now navigating both profound grief and immediate financial responsibilities,” the page continues.

James BarkerCredit: James Barker/Instagram

According to the fundraiser, donations will help cover costs associated with Barker’s celebration of life, as well as mortgage payments on the Brooklyn home he shared with Roth, monthly bills, legal fees and taxes.

“Anyone who knew James knows how deeply he loved his community and how generously he showed up for others,” the description reads. “He always reminded people to ‘tip your drag queens’ and gave everything he had to artists from all art forms.”

“Now it’s our turn to show up for him and for those who are carrying the impossible burden and unbearable sadness of saying goodbye,” the fundraiser adds.

Barker died after what ITV America and Peacock previously described as an “unexpected medical emergency” in Fiji, where season 8 of Love Island USA is filming.

In a statement previously shared with PEOPLE, Roth reflected on Barker’s life, legacy and the relationship they built together over four-and-a-half years.

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

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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 and had recently purchased a home.

“We met at a Billie Eilish concert, and live music was a constant in our relationship,” Roth said, adding that Barker was “such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on Love Island.”

James BarkerCredit: James Barker/Instagram

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Looking back on their time together, Roth said, “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,” he added. “His loss is unimaginable.”

Barker first joined Love Island USA in 2020 as a story producer and later became an executive producer, overseeing both production and post-production, including the show’s soundtrack. He also worked on Love Island Games and previously held producing roles on Queer Eye, Pawn Stars and Forged in Fire.

Barker was honored during the June 16 episode of Love Island USA.

At the end of the episode, host Ariana Madix told 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 concluded with a photo tribute to Barker featuring images of him with friends and at concerts, ending with the message: “We love you.”

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”