The mother of John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager-turned-whistleblower who recently died, blames Boeing for the treatment that led to her son’s despair. Barnett was found dead in his car in a hotel parking lot in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was giving testimony in his whistleblower case against the aerospace company. His death, ruled an apparent suicide, occurred just before he was scheduled to resume providing deposition testimony against Boeing. Barnett’s family, including his mother Vicky Stokes and brother Rodney Barnett, want to see his legacy of fighting for the safety of the flying public preserved.
John Barnett worked at Boeing for 32 years, with his last seven as a quality manager at the South Carolina factory that builds the 787 Dreamliner. Concerned about safety issues at the company, he filed an administrative complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and later filed a lawsuit in 2021 alleging various safety concerns. Despite his efforts, including raising concerns about stray titanium shavings, defective oxygen tanks, and pressure to cut corners, Barnett felt that the company retaliated against him for speaking out. The company denied these allegations and expressed sadness over Barnett’s passing, stating that their thoughts are with his family and friends.
In the 2022 Netflix documentary “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing,” John Barnett claimed that his managers retaliated against him for raising safety concerns. According to his attorneys, he was not trying to hurt Boeing but rather save the company by pointing out potential safety issues. His family is continuing his whistleblower case, which is expected to go to trial in September. Amid negative headlines about Boeing’s safety culture and ongoing issues with its 737 Max planes, CEO Dave Calhoun announced that he will be stepping down at the end of 2024. The family and lawyers believe that whistleblower laws for aerospace workers need to be strengthened to ensure accountability and justice.
The tragic death of John Barnett highlights the challenges and risks faced by whistleblowers who speak out against powerful corporations. Despite facing retaliation and pressure, Barnett continued his fight for safety and accountability at Boeing. His family, including his mother and brother, are determined to continue his legacy and seek justice in his whistleblower case. The outcome of Barnett’s case could have far-reaching implications for whistleblowers and the aerospace industry, as it raises important questions about safety, accountability, and corporate responsibility. As the investigation into Barnett’s death continues, his family hopes to shed light on the importance of supporting and protecting whistleblowers who courageously speak out for the public good.
