A whistleblower engaged in a legal battle with Boeing tragically passed away last week, with investigators suggesting it was a suicide. The deceased was actively involved in a lawsuit against the aerospace company.
John Barnett, the individual in question, was found deceased in Charleston, NC. Law enforcement located his body inside his truck in a hotel parking lot, indicating a self-inflicted gunshot wound as the apparent cause of death. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The attorney of John Barnett, Brian Knowles, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic demise of his client. Knowles raised concerns about the circumstances of Barnett’s death, casting doubt on the reported self-inflicted gunshot wound as the cause.
Notably, John Barnett was actively pursuing a whistleblower lawsuit against Boeing, his employer of over three decades. He alleged retaliation for exposing safety shortcuts in the production of their aircraft.
John Barnett had long been vocal about his concerns, particularly addressing issues with Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft. He even appeared on “TMZ Live” to discuss these matters.
An alarming incident involved a door malfunctioning mid-flight on a 737 aircraft in January, causing distress among passengers as the plane made an emergency landing.
1/31/24
TMZ.com
John Barnett, a former quality manager at Boeing, had repeatedly voiced concerns about the company ignoring safety issues for an extended period. He criticized the swift approval for Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft to resume operations following the alarming incident with an Alaska Airlines flight.
In the midst of his legal battle, John Barnett was actively participating in depositions regarding his case against Boeing. The company expressed its condolences upon learning of his passing.
1/5/24
John Barnett was 62 years old at the time of his death.
Rest in peace.
## FAQ
### What was John Barnett’s role at Boeing?
John Barnett was a former quality manager at Boeing.
### What legal battle was Barnett involved in with Boeing?
Barnett was engaged in a whistleblower lawsuit against Boeing, accusing the company of retaliation for raising safety concerns.
### How did Barnett address Boeing’s safety issues publicly?
Barnett spoke out about safety issues with Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft, including appearing on “TMZ Live” to discuss these matters.
### What incident involving a Boeing aircraft did Barnett comment on?
Barnett expressed concerns about an incident where a door malfunctioned mid-flight on a Boeing 737, leading to an emergency landing.
## Conclusion
The passing of John Barnett, a whistleblower entangled in a legal dispute with Boeing, highlights the challenging circumstances individuals may face when confronting corporate giants. His tragic death sheds light on the importance of workplace safety and the complexities of standing up against powerful entities. May he rest in peace.