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Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett Found Dead Amid Depositions Against Plane Company

Former Quality Control Manager Raised Concerns About 787 Manufacturing Practices

Barnett's Death Comes as Company Faces Lawsuits and Flight Bans

John Barnett, a former quality control manager at Boeing and a prominent whistleblower, was found dead on Sunday, March 26, 2024. Barnett had raised concerns about manufacturing practices at the company's 787 aircraft, which have been plagued by production problems and flight bans.

Barnett's mother, Linda, confirmed his death to CBS News. She said her son had been "very stressed" and "had been having nightmares" in the weeks leading up to his death. Barnett had been scheduled to give depositions as part of lawsuits against Boeing and had been cooperating with federal investigators.

The news of Barnett's death has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and raised questions about the safety of Boeing's aircraft. The company is already facing multiple lawsuits and flight bans related to the 787, and Barnett's death could further damage its reputation.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating Barnett's death, but no cause has yet been determined. The NTSB is also investigating two fatal crashes involving the 787, one in Ethiopia in 2019 and one in China in 2022.

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