SOUTH CAROLINA.-The Boeing whistleblower who filed a complaint alleging plane safety flaws was found dead on Monday, March 11.
John Barnett, 62, spent more than three decades with Boeing before disclosing what he felt were “catastrophic” safety failings in 2017.
According to NBC News reporting on his death, Barnett was found dead from what the Charleston County Coroner says “appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Barnett’s family released a statement on his death saying he suffered from post-traumatic stress and anxiety.
After retiring from Boeing in 2017, Barnett filed a whistleblower complaint against the airplane manufacturer alleging safety concerns at the South Carolina plant. He also took legal action against Boeing alleging the company hampered his career.
According to NBC News, Barnett’s trial was scheduled for June. His death comes as Boeing is under increased scrutiny and ongoing investigations into safety concerns of its airliners.
