Boeing Co has reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of John Barnett, the former quality control manager and whistleblower who died by suicide in March 2024. The deal, filed in a South Carolina federal court, includes a minimum payout of $50,000, with part of the money earmarked for legal fees and the rest for Barnett’s family, according to Reuters.
The settlement remains subject to approval by a federal judge in Charleston, South Carolina.
Who was John Barnett?
Barnett spent 32 years at Boeing before leaving in 2017. He worked at the company’s 787 Dreamliner plant in North Charleston, South Carolina, and became known for raising safety concerns about aircraft production practices.
He alleged that Boeing retaliated against him for blowing the whistle, claims he was pursuing in a separate lawsuit at the time of his death. In March 2024, Barnett died by suicide while in the middle of giving a deposition in that case.
What the lawsuit said
Barnett’s mother filed the wrongful death case, accusing Boeing of contributing to her son’s death. The settlement resolves:
The wrongful death claim
The whistleblower retaliation lawsuit Barnett had filed before his death
All related pending claims against Boeing
Court filings describe the settlement as 'full, final and confidential', leaving open the possibility of additional undisclosed terms beyond the $50,000 payout, the Reuters report added.
Boeing’s response
Boeing denied any responsibility for Barnett’s death but expressed condolences.
“We are saddened by Mr. Barnett’s death and extend our condolences to his family as we reach this resolution,” the company said in a statement, adding that it had taken steps “several years ago to review and address the issues that Mr. Barnett raised.”
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