Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found dead in his truck, a gunshot wound to his head, just as he was set to testify against the aerospace giant. Authorities quickly concluded it was a suicide, but questions linger about the events leading to his death. His allegations against Boeing had shaken the industry, and now his sudden death has raised even more eyebrows.
Investigators Release Findings in Whistleblower’s Death
Charleston, South Carolina, investigators have concluded their investigation into the death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett. Barnett was found dead in his truck in March after missing his second day of depositions in a lawsuit against Boeing.
Discovery of the Body
Barnett’s lawyers requested a wellness check when he failed to appear for the proceedings. Authorities discovered him with a gunshot wound to the head in his hotel parking lot.
Evidence at the Scene
Investigators found a pistol in Barnett’s right hand and confirmed gunshot residue on his hand. A single shell casing and a suicide note were also discovered in the truck.
Coroner’s Conclusion
Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal’s report stated that all findings were consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The official cause of death was determined to be suicide.
Circumstances Surrounding the Death
Barnett was found alone in his locked vehicle, with the key fob inside. His phone records showed no unusual activity, and hotel surveillance confirmed he was alone before parking.
No Signs of Foul Play
There were no visitors to Barnett’s vehicle until he was discovered the following morning. Police confirmed he legally purchased the handgun in 2000, and his fingerprints were on the suicide note.
Lawsuit Against Boeing
Barnett was involved in a lawsuit against Boeing, alleging retaliation, harassment, and spying by the company. His lawyer, Robert Turkewitz, expressed doubt that Boeing played a role in Barnett’s death but noted the circumstances were puzzling.
Legal Team’s Silence
Barnett’s legal team has not commented on the coroner’s findings. They previously indicated that Barnett’s death did not align with their understanding of his situation.
Barnett’s Career and Whistleblowing
Barnett retired from Boeing in 2017 after a 30-year career as a quality-control engineer. In 2019, he publicly criticized Boeing for compromising safety to expedite the production of the 787 Dreamliner.
Concerns Over 737 Max 9
In January, Barnett voiced concerns to TMZ about Boeing’s rush to return the 737 Max 9 jets to service. This followed an incident where an Alaska Airlines jet’s door panel blew off mid-flight.
Boeing CEO’s Resignation
Unrelated to Barnett’s case, Boeing’s CEO Dave Calhoun announced his resignation by the end of the year. The company continues to face significant challenges.
Ongoing Investigations and Reactions
The investigation into Barnett’s death has sparked discussions about corporate whistleblower protections. Boeing has not commented on the findings related to Barnett’s death.
