Tragic Death of John Barnett, Former Boeing Employee
John Barnett, a former quality control engineer at Boeing, who recently testified against the company in a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit, has been found dead, according to a report by the BBC. Barnett, 62, spent three decades working for Boeing before retiring in 2017. His body was discovered at a motel in Charleston, South Carolina, with indications suggesting a self-inflicted gunshot as the cause of death.
Circumstances Leading to Barnett’s Tragic Demise
Just prior to his passing, Barnett had been actively involved in providing evidence against Boeing in a legal case. He was expected to attend a court deposition, but failed to appear, prompting concerns for his well-being. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of Barnett in his truck, parked at the same motel where he was residing.
The Charleston County Coroner confirmed John Barnett, aged 62, as the deceased individual in question, who is believed to have succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound on March 9, 2024. The local authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
Boeing expressed condolences for Barnett’s untimely death, expressing sympathy for his family and friends during this difficult time.
Allegations and Legal Battle
Barnett had previously raised concerns regarding substandard components being used in Boeing aircraft, as well as potential issues with oxygen systems on board. These allegations were further investigated by the FAA, lending credibility to some of Barnett’s claims. The legal proceedings he was involved in at the time of his death centered around a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit, where Barnett accused Boeing of forcing him into retirement as a response to his safety warnings. Boeing has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in this regard.
Efforts to obtain a statement from Barnett’s legal representative are ongoing, and updates will be provided as soon as available.
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