John Barnett, a former long-time employee of Boeing, tragically died of an apparent suicide, raising questions amid ongoing concerns about the company’s production issues.
Barnett, who had spent 32 years at Boeing before leaving in 2017, was in the midst of a deposition related to a whistleblower retaliation case against Boeing when he passed away.
His death, confirmed by the Charleston County coroner’s office in South Carolina as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, has sparked investigations by the Charleston City police.
Despite his legal battle with Boeing, Barnett was described as being in good spirits and looking forward to moving on from this phase of his life, according to his attorneys. The news of his death came as a shock to those who knew him, with no apparent indication that he was contemplating such action.
Barnett’s attorneys highlighted his role as a quality manager at Boeing, where he had brought to light significant safety concerns regarding the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Allegations of retaliation and a hostile work environment followed his disclosures.
In response to Barnett’s passing, Boeing expressed sadness and extended condolences to his family and friends. Barnett had previously spoken to media outlets about safety issues following an incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9 plane, where a panel blew out mid-flight, necessitating an emergency landing.
This incident added to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Boeing’s safety and quality standards, resulting in regulatory constraints on production and subsequent delivery delays throughout the aerospace industry.
As investigations continue into Barnett’s death, it underscores the broader challenges faced by whistleblowers and the complexities surrounding workplace safety and accountability within large corporations like Boeing.
