Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett Found Dead Days After Testifying Against Company
The tragic death of John Barnett, a former Boeing employee and whistleblower, has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. Barnett, 62, was discovered deceased from a self-inflicted wound on Saturday, according to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office.
Barnett’s passing comes just days after he testified against Boeing in a high-profile court case. Scheduled to answer further questions on Saturday, Barnett’s absence raised concerns, leading to the discovery of his body in a hotel parking garage.
With over three decades of service at Boeing as a quality control engineer before retiring in 2017, Barnett emerged as a key figure in shedding light on safety concerns within the company. In 2019, he revealed to the BBC alarming details about Boeing’s production practices, particularly regarding its 787 Dreamliner jets.
Barnett alleged that Boeing prioritized speed over safety, rushing the production of Dreamliners and compromising critical emergency oxygen systems. He claimed that these systems had a failure rate of 25%, posing grave risks to passengers in the event of cabin decompression.
Despite raising concerns with Boeing management, Barnett reported a lack of action on their part. His revelations prompted a review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2017, which substantiated some of his claims and led to corrective measures for Boeing.
In response to Barnett’s untimely death, Boeing expressed its condolences, acknowledging the loss and extending sympathies to his family and loved ones. The circumstances surrounding Barnett’s passing underscore the complexities and challenges faced by whistleblowers in advocating for safety and accountability within corporate environments.
