The relatives of a Boeing whistleblower, whom police report died by suicide, have initiated a new legal action against the aerospace corporation.
John Barnett, who was employed by Boeing for over three decades, chose to expose alleged issues within the airline after his retirement in 2017.
The 62-year-old raised concerns about the company’s production standards, particularly emphasizing problems with the 787 Dreamliner at the North Charleston facility in South Carolina, an aircraft being produced from 2010 until his retirement.
In 2019, Barnett spoke to the media, stating that employees were under pressure to install subpar components on the assembly line. He also claimed that oxygen masks on the aircraft might result in one out of four failing during emergencies.
His disclosures led to a legal case where Barnett was supposed to testify, but police later reported finding him deceased in his vehicle.
Authorities determined that he died from a single gunshot wound to his left temple in March 2024.
Officials also noted that Barnett left a note blaming Boeing and others for ‘destroying his life.’
His family has now initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against Boeing, alleging that the company engaged in a ‘campaign of harassment, abuse, and intimidation aimed at discouraging, discrediting, and humiliating him until he would either relent or be discredited.’
This lawsuit was filed on Wednesday by his mother, Vicky Stokes, and his brothers, Rodney and Michael, in South Carolina, stating that Barnett’s death occurred days after he had responded to questions from lawyers over several days.
The attorney’s court documents stated: “Boeing had threatened to break John, and break him it did.”
In his letter, Barnett expressed his frustrations with the company in strong terms.
He wrote: “I can’t do this any longer! Enough!
“F*** Boeing.
“America, come together or die!! I pray the mother****** that destroyed my life pay!!! I pray Boeing pays!!! Bury me face down so Boeing and their lying-ass leaders can kiss my ass.”
Authorities verified that the handwriting and fingerprints on the notebook belonged to Barnett.
Boeing responded with a statement, saying: “We are saddened by Mr. Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health struggles, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat. Crisis Text Line can also be reached by texting MHA to 741741.