In Charleston, South Carolina, the family of a former Boeing quality control manager has initiated a lawsuit against the aerospace giant following his tragic death, which authorities have labeled suicide. The manager, John Barnett, reportedly faced extensive questioning by legal teams regarding his whistleblower revelations about potential defects in large aircraft.
John Barnett’s family contends that Boeing subjected him to a relentless campaign meant to pressure, demean, and frighten him into silence, as stated in a wrongful death claim submitted to a federal court in South Carolina. Barnett, who had dedicated many years to working as a quality-control manager at Boeing before his 2017 retirement, was living in Louisiana at the time of his death on March 9, 2024. The 62-year-old took his life shortly after a marathon session of questioning.
In response to Barnett’s death, Boeing expressed condolences to his loved ones, though they have yet to provide an official court response to the lawsuit. Barnett was known for voicing concerns over significant issues he perceived in planes, such as metal shavings that could damage flight control wiring and potential problems in oxygen systems on certain Boeing models.
Despite raising these concerns internally prior to leaving Boeing, the lawsuit alleges that Barnett faced a backlash intended to dissuade and undermine him. This purported campaign included unfavorable job reviews, undesirable shift assignments, and public scapegoating for production delays, which isolated him from his colleagues and hampered his career mobility.
The hostile work environment allegedly took a severe toll on Barnett’s mental health, resulting in a PTSD diagnosis and a deterioration in his psychological well-being. The lawsuit highlights that Boeing’s actions, while not directly linked to his death, created the conditions that led to his mental decline and eventual suicide.
Barnett’s family seeks unidentified damages, which include compensation for emotional distress, lost earnings over ten years, health-related costs, and life insurance benefits. They argue that although Boeing did not physically cause Barnett’s death, the company’s conduct was ultimately responsible for his tragic end.
This case underscores serious concerns about workplace bullying, whistleblower protections, and the mental health impact on employees who raise ethical flags. The family hopes the lawsuit will push for greater accountability within the corporate environment.