Boeing Whistleblower's Lawyer Calls for Full Investigation into Mysterious Death During Deposition

Boeing Whistleblower's Death Raises Concerns

March 2024

The death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett has left his family and legal team in shock and devastation. Barnett, a former quality control engineer at Boeing, was found dead in his truck in a hotel parking lot after missing a deposition related to his lawsuit against the aircraft manufacturer.

Allegations and Lawsuit

Barnett had been suing Boeing, claiming that he was retaliated against, harassed, and spied on by the company. He had expressed concerns about the safety of Boeing's 737 Max 9 jets and the emergency oxygen systems on the 787 Dreamliner jets. He alleged that the emergency oxygen systems had a failure rate of 25%, posing a significant risk to passengers.

Family's Reaction

Barnett's mother, Vicky Stokes, and his brother, Rodney Barnett, expressed their grief and frustration, pointing some blame at Boeing for the prolonged ordeal Barnett faced. They emphasized that John Barnett was not the type to back down and continued to voice his concerns despite the hostile work environment he allegedly experienced at Boeing.

Legal Team's Concerns

Barnett's lawyers have raised concerns about the preliminary assessment of his death as an apparent suicide, citing his persistence and the circumstances surrounding his death. They have demanded a full investigation into the mysterious circumstances of his death.

Boeing's Response

Boeing expressed sadness over Barnett's passing and extended condolences to his family and friends. The company highlighted its commitment to safety and quality in the wake of the incident.

Investigation Ongoing

The police are actively investigating Barnett's death and are awaiting the formal cause of death and additional findings to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his demise. A friend of Barnett's claimed that he had expressed concerns about his own safety, stating, "If anything happens to me, it's not suicide."

FAA Review and Safety Concerns

Barnett's concerns about the safety of Boeing's aircraft, particularly the 737 Max 9 and 787 Dreamliner jets, have been a subject of scrutiny. Unrelated to his lawsuit, Boeing has faced safety concerns about its 737 Max airplanes, leading to executive resignations and ongoing developments within the company.

Support for Suicide Prevention

The article encourages individuals who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide to seek help from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).