Family of Boeing Whistleblower Files Wrongful Death Suit
Lawsuit Alleges Harassment and Intimidation Led to Suicide
The bereaved family of John Barnett, a Boeing whistleblower discovered deceased in his vehicle, has initiated legal action against the aerospace corporation. Barnett, 62, was found dead in his truck outside a Holiday Inn in Charleston, South Carolina, in March 2024. His death occurred while he was scheduled to provide testimony against Boeing in a lawsuit he had brought against the company. A suicide note attributed to Barnett reportedly stated, “f**k Boeing.”
Family’s Claims in Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The wrongful death suit, filed in South Carolina, accuses Boeing of subjecting Barnett to harassment and intimidation. The family alleges this mistreatment of their former employee of 32 years followed his raising concerns regarding safety protocols within the company.
Barnett, a quality manager at Boeing for over three decades, retired in 2017. In 2019, he publicly disclosed allegations asserting that employees facing intense pressure were intentionally installing substandard components on aircraft assembly lines.
According to the lawsuit, “The accumulation of years of harassment, mistreatment, and humiliation became unbearable for John, ultimately leading him to take his own life.” The legal filing further argues, “While Boeing did not directly pull the trigger, Boeing’s actions were the unambiguous cause, and the clearly foreseeable cause, of John’s demise.”
John Barnett, 62, was discovered deceased in his truck outside a Holiday Inn in Charleston, South Carolina, in March 2024
He was scheduled to testify against Boeing in a suit he initiated against the airline, and his suicide note reportedly contained the phrase ‘f**k Boeing’
The lawsuit contends that Barnett suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety as a direct consequence of the treatment he endured from his former employer.
The legal document states that Barnett’s supervisors isolated him and issued threats to “push you until you break.”
Compensation Sought by Family
Barnett’s family is seeking financial restitution, including back pay, lost future earnings, and benefits. They are also pursuing an unspecified sum for emotional distress and legal expenses.
Boeing’s Response to Allegations
Boeing has not issued a specific comment regarding the current lawsuit. However, the company has previously asserted that it never retaliated against Barnett. Boeing maintains that the concerns Barnett brought forward were addressed and that employees are encouraged to report any issues.
Elsewhere in his suicide note, Barnett reportedly stated ‘I pray Boeing pays’ and criticized the whistleblower protection program
Boeing has not commented specifically on the lawsuit, but has previously maintained that it never retaliated against him
Barnett had traveled to Charleston from his residence in Louisiana. He had already commenced his deposition and was scheduled to resume at 10 am on the day of his death
Barnett’s Prior Complaints and Retaliation Claims
According to reports, in another portion of his suicide note, Barnett wrote, “I pray Boeing pays,” and expressed criticism of the whistleblower protection program.
Barnett had traveled to Charleston from his home in Louisiana. He had already begun his deposition, which was scheduled to continue at 10:00 AM on the day he died.
In his complaint, Barnett stated that he had repeatedly raised concerns with his superiors regarding Boeing’s “deep-rooted and persistent culture of concealment.” He accused the company of failing to adequately document and resolve problems.
Barnett alleged that in retaliation for his complaints, he received unfavorable scores on performance evaluations, was subjected to isolation, and was prohibited from transferring from South Carolina.
He claimed to have been “treated with disdain and contempt by upper management.”
Lower performance review scores can negatively impact an employee’s prospects for promotions and salary increases. Barnett stated that prior to filing complaints, he had been a “top performer” at the Boeing plant in North Charleston.
Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. The national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.