Boeing Whistleblower Found Dead Days After Testifying In Lawsuit Against The Company

Barnett, who dedicated over 30 years of his career to Boeing, became vocal about his safety concerns regarding the company’s production standards after retiring.

At 62, Barnett held a crucial position as a Boeing quality manager, focusing on the production of the 787 Dreamliner at the North Charleston plant in South Carolina. 

His tenure at this facility stretched from 2010 until he stepped away in 2017.

The year 2019 marked a turning point for Barnett, as he chose to break his silence about the pressures workers faced to use sub-standard parts in aircraft assembly lines.

Credit: NetFlix

A significant worry for Barnett involved the aircraft's oxygen masks—a critical safety feature.

According to a report by BBC News, Barnett raised alarms about severe flaws within the oxygen systems, which, he warned, could result in one out of every four masks failing to operate correctly during an emergency.

In the days leading up to his untimely death, Barnett had been actively participating in a lawsuit against Boeing, offering his testimony on the alleged safety oversights. 

Tragically, he was discovered deceased in his car on Saturday, March 9.

The scene of his discovery was his truck, parked outside the South Carolina hotel where he was residing throughout the legal proceedings.

There have been safety concerns regarding the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in particular. Credits: STR/AFP via Getty Images

Concern grew when Barnett didn't show up for the continuation of his testimony.

The Charleston County coroner reported that Barnett's death resulted from a "self-inflicted" wound, believed to be from a gunshot.

Following the news of his death, Boeing extended its condolences, stating: "We are saddened by Mr. Barnett's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

His lawyer, Brian Knowles, expressed deep sorrow over Barnett's death, describing the loss as 'tragic.' 

"Today is a tragic day," Knowles commented, according to Corporate Crime Reporter.

Knowles provided a detailed account of the events leading up to Barnett's death, noting the intensive preparation Barnett had undergone for his testimony. 

"The defense examined him for their allowed seven hours under the rules on Thursday. I cross examined him all day yesterday [Friday, March 8] and did not finish."

"We agreed to continue this morning at 10 a.m. Rob [Turkewitz] kept calling this morning and his phone would go to voicemail. We then asked the hotel to check on him."

John Barnett is said to have died by 'self-inflicted' wounds. Credits: Fox 11

"They found him in his truck dead from an 'alleged' self-inflicted gunshot. We drove to the hotel and spoke with the police and the coroner."

Barnett's death comes in the wake of recent safety incidents involving Boeing aircraft.

One such incident involved a part of a Boeing plane detaching mid-flight in January.

The affected aircraft, an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9, lost its plug door—a panel used in place of an emergency door on certain models—shortly after takeoff.

This alarming event prompted the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to initiate an investigation.

Another incident saw passengers on a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight experience severe injuries after the plane encountered what was described as "the worst turbulence you could ever think of" during a three-hour flight.