Investigation Uncovers Boeing Whistleblower's Suicide

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Boeing whistleblower John Barnett tragically died by suicide, as reported in a police statement released on Friday. This marks the conclusion of an investigation into the sudden passing of a dedicated employee who had voiced worries about safety and production standards at the airplane manufacturer. Barnett had also filed a lawsuit against Boeing, alleging that he had been unfairly targeted in retaliation.

Barnett, who was 62 years old, was discovered deceased in his vehicle on March 9 in Charleston, South Carolina. Authorities were called to check on Barnett's well-being at a Holiday Inn after he missed a deposition related to his legal dispute with Boeing, as per his attorneys and a police report.

Upon arrival, the officers found Barnett in the driver's seat of a truck in the parking lot, where he had taken his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A handgun was found in his hand, and a note was also located inside the truck.

Barnett's lawyers were surprised by his death and mentioned that his deposition was almost finished and he seemed to be in good spirits. They stated that they did not see any signs that he would take his own life and expressed disbelief. The lawyers, Robert Turkewitz and Brian Knowles, urged the Charleston police to conduct a thorough investigation and share their findings with the public.

The Charleston Police Department announced on Friday that they have finished looking into Barnett's death. The Charleston County Coroner's Office has determined that Barnett took his own life. During the investigation, it was discovered that Barnett was shot in the head from a close distance. The weapon was found in his right hand. Additionally, a notebook was found in the front seat of the car. The notebook showed signs that Barnett was experiencing a period of significant personal distress, according to a media release regarding the police investigation.

Police showed CNN a note found in the car containing disrespectful messages towards Boeing.

The police mentioned, "As we wrap up this investigation, let's remember that it signifies the tragic loss of Mr. Barnett's life. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family as they navigate through this challenging period, and we hope they find the courage to carry on in his absence."

Boeing could not immediately be reached for comment. In March, the company said it was saddened by Barnett’s death.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” the company said.

Barnett, a former quality manager with years of experience at Boeing, revealed to the New York Times in 2019 that he found unsafe wiring clusters in Boeing's manufacturing procedures. These clusters, if cut by metal slivers, could potentially cause a plane to fail catastrophically.

"At Boeing, as a quality manager, you play a crucial role in ensuring that no defects reach the public. I have yet to see a plane from Charleston that I would confidently say is safe and ready for flight," Barnett expressed to the Times.

Brad Zaback, the site leader and general manager of the 787 program, addressed the plant's employees in a statement shared with CNN. He mentioned that the report from the Times misrepresents the program and the team at the plant.

Zaback emphasized that quality is fundamental to their identity and stated that the plant consistently produces top-notch airplanes. He mentioned that the Times declined an invitation to visit the plant.

Following Barnett's early alerts regarding Boeing, the company has experienced a number of significant safety and quality issues. For instance, a 737 Max suffered a door plug blowout shortly after takeoff in January. As a result, the US Justice Department has indicated that Boeing might be subject to criminal charges due to its track record of safety issues.

Editor's P/S:

The tragic suicide of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett is a somber reminder of the devastating impact of mental health challenges. Barnett's courageous efforts to expose safety concerns within the company highlight the crucial role that whistleblowers play in protecting the public. His death raises important questions about the support systems available for individuals who speak out against wrongdoing.

Barnett's story also sheds light on the ongoing safety issues at Boeing. His revelations about unsafe wiring clusters and the company's subsequent safety lapses underscore the need for increased transparency and accountability in the aviation industry. The Justice Department's investigation into potential criminal charges against Boeing is a positive step towards ensuring that those responsible for compromising public safety are held accountable. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of whistleblowing and the need for robust mental health support systems for those who have the courage to speak up.