Former Boeing employee involved in whistleblower lawsuit found dead

Barnett expressed worries about the rushed assembly process and compromised safety standards, although Boeing refuted these claims.

John Barnett, a former Boeing employee known for his outspokenness regarding the company's production standards, has been found dead in the United States, BBC reported. Barnett dedicated 32 years of his life to Boeing until his retirement in 2017.

In the days leading up to his death, Barnett had been actively involved in a whistleblower lawsuit against Boeing. His sudden passing prompted a response from Boeing, expressing sorrow at the news. The Charleston County coroner confirmed Barnett's death, stating that the 62-year-old succumbed to a "self-inflicted" wound on March 9, with police launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

During his tenure at Boeing, Barnett served as a quality manager at the North Charleston plant, focusing on the production of the 787 Dreamliner. In 2019, Barnett publicly aired concerns about the company's practices, alleging that workers were under pressure to fit substandard parts onto aircraft. He also highlighted serious issues with oxygen systems, suggesting that one in four breathing masks could fail during emergencies.

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Barnett expressed worries about the rushed assembly process and compromised safety standards, although Boeing refuted these claims. He further revealed instances where workers failed to adhere to proper procedures, leading to defective components being installed on aircraft or removed from scrap bins for use, potentially causing delays and safety hazards.

Despite bringing his concerns to the attention of management, Barnett felt that his efforts were ignored. A 2017 review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) validated some of Barnett's concerns, revealing that at least 53 "non-conforming" parts in the factory were unaccounted for, prompting corrective actions from Boeing.

Following his retirement, Barnett pursued legal action against Boeing, alleging defamation and career hindrance due to his whistleblowing activities, claims which Boeing refuted. At the time of his death, Barnett was involved in legal proceedings related to the case. His sudden demise occurred shortly after providing a formal deposition and scheduled questioning sessions, leading to inquiries when he failed to appear.

His passing was described as "tragic" by his lawyer, while Boeing issued a statement expressing condolences to Barnett's family and friends. Barnett's death sheds light on ongoing scrutiny surrounding production standards at Boeing and its supplier Spirit Aerosystems, particularly following a recent incident involving a Boeing 737 Max shortly after takeoff from Portland International Airport.