Tragic news has shaken the aerospace community as John Barnett, a former Boeing employee known for blowing the whistle on alleged safety issues within the company, has passed away. He was 62.
Authorities in South Carolina confirmed Barnett’s death on Saturday, revealing it to be from an apparent “self-inflicted” wound. The Charleston City Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the matter, with details yet to be disclosed.
Barnett, who dedicated over three decades to Boeing before retiring in 2017, had been actively involved in a lawsuit against the company. He had raised concerns about safety problems with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and faced retaliation and a hostile work environment as a result.
His lawyers, Brian Knowles and Robert Turkewitz, expressed shock and disbelief at his death, describing Barnett as a courageous and honorable individual. They emphasized his commitment to exposing the truth and seeking justice.
Boeing, upon learning of Barnett’s passing, extended condolences to his family and friends. The aerospace giant has been under scrutiny in recent years, facing allegations of safety lapses and controversies surrounding its aircraft models.
Barnett’s allegations against Boeing, including claims of deliberate use of faulty parts in aircraft, had drawn attention from media and regulatory agencies. Despite Boeing’s denial of his claims and assertions of adherence to safety standards, Barnett’s whistleblowing efforts shed light on concerns within the aerospace industry.
The tragic incident comes amid ongoing safety concerns surrounding Boeing, highlighted by recent incidents involving its aircraft. Investigations and audits by regulatory bodies have underscored the need for Boeing to address safety deficiencies and foster a culture of transparency and accountability within the organization.
