Boeing whistleblower dead of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police say

Former Boeing employee John Barnett, a whistleblower who raised concerns about quality-control and safety issues in the company’s production line, was found dead in South Carolina from “what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” police said.

Prior to his death, Barnett — a quality manager who worked with the aircraft manufacturer for more than 30 years — had been in Charleston participating in legal interviews regarding a case against Boeing, BBC News reported. He recently participated in a formal deposition, during which he was questioned by the company’s lawyers, and then again by his own.

Barnett had been expected to provide further evidence and again sit for questioning on Saturday, but he never showed up for the proceedings. His body was found later the same day in his truck, which was parked outside the hotel where he’d been staying.

“We are saddened by Mr. Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends,” Boeing said in a statement.

During his years at Boeing’s North Charleston plant, where he worked on the 787 Dreamliner starting in 2010, Barnett claimed overworked employees were installing sub-standard parts on planes to meet lofty production targets. He also uncovered serious problems with oxygen systems he said could result in as many as 1 in 4 masks failing to work in an emergency situation.

Barnett also said he repeatedly discussed his concerns with Boeing leadership to no avail. He was transferred to another part of the facility and retired in 2017.

In the same year, he filed a whistleblower complaint against Boeing, accusing them of retaliatory behavior. He then discussed his claims in articles published by the BBC and the New York Times in 2019.

The Charleston City Police Department continues to investigate his death.