Family of Boeing whistleblower who died by suicide files wrongful death lawsuit against company
The family of John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager who tragically took his own life last year, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company. Barnett had raised safety concerns about Boeing’s production standards before his death, claiming he was subjected to harassment, abuse, and intimidation by the company.
After more than three decades at Boeing, Barnett retired in 2017. During his time at the company, he raised multiple safety complaints that were ignored by management, especially during his tenure at the Charleston plant. Following his retirement, Barnett became a whistleblower, speaking out about his concerns with journalists. However, he faced retaliation from Boeing, receiving poor job reviews, undesirable shifts, and being blamed for delays that upset his co-workers.
As a result of the alleged mistreatment, Barnett’s mental health deteriorated, and he was diagnosed with PTSD. The lawsuit filed by his family claims that Boeing’s actions directly contributed to his death, stating that it was foreseeable that the treatment he endured would lead to an increased risk of suicide.
Barnett was found in his truck with a suicide note on March 9, expressing his despair and anger towards Boeing. His family is seeking compensation for emotional distress, mental anguish, lost wages, health expenses, and life insurance benefits.
The tragic death of John Barnett sheds light on the importance of workplace safety and the need for companies to address employee concerns in a respectful and supportive manner. Boeing has yet to respond to the allegations made in the lawsuit, but the case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of workplace harassment and retaliation on employees’ mental well-being.
