The family of John Barnett, a former Boeing quality control manager who died by suicide in March 2024, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the aircraft manufacturer. The lawsuit, filed in Charleston County, South Carolina, alleges that Boeing retaliated against Barnett for raising safety concerns about the company's 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Barnett had worked for Boeing for over 30 years and had repeatedly warned his superiors about what he believed were serious flaws in the production process.
The lawsuit claims that Boeing subjected Barnett to a hostile work environment, including demotions, denial of promotions, and constant harassment. It further alleges that the company intentionally inflicted emotional distress on Barnett, leading to his eventual suicide. Barnett had been giving depositions in a separate lawsuit against Boeing at the time of his death. His lawyers maintain that he was in good spirits and looking forward to his day in court.
Boeing has not yet issued a formal response to the lawsuit. However, the company has previously denied any wrongdoing and has stated that it is committed to the safety of its aircraft. The case is likely to draw significant attention, as it raises serious questions about Boeing's safety culture and its treatment of whistleblowers. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the family's loss.
Boeing Sued Over Whistleblower's Suicide, Alleges Retaliation
The family of John Barnett, a former Boeing employee who died by suicide, has filed a lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit alleges that Boeing retaliated against Barnett for raising safety concerns and that this mistreatment contributed to his death. Barnett had been a vocal critic of Boeing's production standards. The suit claims Boeing's actions created a hostile work environment that ultimately led to his tragic death.