Whistleblower John Barnett Dies by Suicide Amid Ongoing Deposition with Boeing

John Barnett was a former Boeing quality control manager who spent nearly three decades at the company. He became a whistleblower after he claimed to have witnessed safety violations and pressure to overlook defective parts.

Barnett took legal action against Boeing, which led to him being deposed in court. However, he did not show up for his third day of testimony in March 2024, and it was later confirmed that he had died by suicide.

In the months leading up to his death, Barnett had been enduring immense stress due to the ongoing deposition and his battle with Boeing. He claimed that he had faced hostility and humiliation from his managers after speaking out about safety concerns.

Barnett's death was a shock to his family, friends, and legal team, who were left reeling by the news. His mother recalled talking to him just days before his death, when he expressed his desire to go home and get some rest.

Boeing released a statement in response to Barnett's death, saying that they had thoroughly addressed or continued to improve upon the issues raised in the documentary Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing.