John Barnett, a whistleblower who previously worked for Boeing, was found dead in his truck earlier this month after missing a deposition in his lawsuit against the company. He alleged that he had been retaliated against, harassed, and spied on by Boeing. His family members, including his mother and brother, blame the aerospace giant for his death, emphasizing that he was not the type to back down despite the hostile work environment. While the coroner’s preliminary assessment indicated suicide, his lawyers and family members have requested a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
One of Barnett’s lawyers, Robert Turkewitz, stated that he did not believe Boeing had a role in his client’s death, although he found it hard to believe that Barnett would take his own life. Police are continuing to investigate the case and are waiting for a report from the coroner. A friend of Barnett’s claimed that he had mentioned to her, “If anything happens to me, it’s not suicide.” Detectives are actively working on the case to shed further light on the situation surrounding Barnett’s death, and the family is awaiting the results of the investigation.
Prior to his death, Barnett had raised concerns about Boeing’s decision to quickly return its 737 Max 9 jets to service following safety incidents. Unrelated to his lawsuit, Boeing has faced safety concerns and internal restructuring, with CEO Dave Calhoun announcing his resignation at the end of the year. Barnett had worked for Boeing for over three decades before retiring as a quality-control engineer in 2017. In 2019, he disclosed safety issues with the 787 Dreamliner’s emergency oxygen systems, which he claimed Boeing management failed to address despite his efforts to raise the matter.
Barnett’s lawsuit against Boeing stemmed from the retaliation and hostile work environment he faced after highlighting safety concerns at the North Charleston plant. The Federal Aviation Administration reviewed Boeing in 2017 and confirmed some of Barnett’s allegations, prompting the company to take action. Boeing expressed sadness over Barnett’s passing, offering condolences to his family and friends. His case sheds light on the importance of whistleblower protection and the need for companies to address safety concerns raised by their employees.
The sudden and tragic death of John Barnett has raised concerns about the treatment of whistleblowers in the aerospace industry and the impact of challenging corporate practices. His family’s grief and demand for a thorough investigation underscore the continuing repercussions of his actions against Boeing. The aftermath of his death also highlights the ongoing issues with safety and accountability within the company, as well as the broader conversation around workplace harassment and retaliation. Barnett’s legacy serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by those who speak out against corporate wrongdoing.
Boeing’s response to Barnett’s allegations and subsequent death will likely shape public perception of the company’s commitment to safety and accountability. The internal changes and restructuring within Boeing following the safety incidents and the fallout from Barnett’s lawsuit emphasize the significant challenges facing the aviation industry. As the investigation into Barnett’s death continues, the focus remains on ensuring transparency, justice, and accountability for all parties involved. The impact of his death reverberates throughout the industry and serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in safeguarding workplace safety and protecting those who speak out against corporate misconduct.