Police conclude investigation into Boeing whistleblower’s suicide | World News

The tragic death of John Barnett, a former Boeing manager, has left many questioning the safety practices within the aircraft maker. Barnett, 62, was found dead on March 9 in South Carolina, with police later confirming that his injuries were self-inflicted.

Barnett, a quality-control manager at Boeing before his retirement in 2017, had been raising concerns about safety issues within the company for years. He had shared his worries with journalists, citing issues such as discarded metal shavings near wiring for flight controls and problems with oxygen systems on Boeing’s 787 planes.

During the investigation into Barnett’s death, it was revealed that he had been struggling with longstanding mental health challenges, which had worsened due to the ongoing legal proceedings related to his whistleblower case. Barnett had been in Charleston for depositions regarding his complaint, with a hearing scheduled for June.

In a statement released by Barnett’s brother, Rodney, it was revealed that John was deeply concerned about the safety of the aircraft and the flying public. He believed that Boeing had a culture of concealment and was prioritizing profits over safety.

Boeing expressed their sadness over Barnett’s passing, stating, “We are saddened by Mr. Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts continue to be with his family and friends.”

The circumstances surrounding John Barnett’s death have sparked a conversation about the importance of whistleblower protection and the need for transparency within the aviation industry.