Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett Found Dead After Testifying Against Company
Boeing Company employee John Barnett was found dead on March 9 after flagging several concerns regarding the company's production standards.
Barnett, the 62-year-old, retired in 2017 following health concerns. During this time, the former employee was presenting evidence for a lawsuit against the $77 billion corporation.
Per Charleston County Coroner's office, investigators confirmed that he died from a "self-inflicted" gunshot wound. He was found dead in his truck, located in the parking lot of a hotel.
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Since 2010, Barnett was employed as a quality control manager at the North Carolina plant working on the 787 Dreamliner — a modern American wide-body jet with unparalleled fuel efficiency, range flexibility, and "smooth wing" technology allowing for greater speed.
The whistleblower highlighted flaws in the structure, claiming passengers on the 787 Dreamliner could be left without oxygen if the cabin were to suffer a sudden decompression. He also claimed testing proved that up to a quarter of oxygen systems could be compromised and may not work when needed.
The retiree also reported that in some cases, parts were brought in from scrap bins and put onto planes to prevent delays, and feared the rushed process compromised the safety of the jet.
Boeing sent their condolences in a statement saying they are "saddened by Mr. Barnett's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends," however, are continuing to deny accusations despite the company failing dozens of safety audits.
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According to The New York Times, the aerospace company failed 33 of 89 audits presented by the Federal Aviation Administration after a cabin door blew off an Alaska Airlines craft mid-flight in January. Investigators later found that bolts were missing from the structure.
Northeastern University's physics professor Arun Bansil claimed passengers would likely have died if the blowout occurred 10 minutes later, per The Daily Mail.
Barnett was scheduled to appear in person for further questioning. When the former employee did not appear, he was found dead.
His lawyer described his death as "tragic" in a statement to BBC.
