A former Boeing employee who spoke out about safety concerns with the company’s aircraft production was found dead in his car over the weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, according to officials and multiple reports.
John Barnett was found dead Saturday with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Charleston County Coroner’s Office said. The 62-year-old was a quality manager who worked with Boeing for over 30 years before he retired in 2017, news outlets including the New York Times and BBC reported.
Barnett was in Charleston for legal interviews related to a case against Boeing, per the BBC, which spoke with Barnett’s lawyer. He gave a formal deposition last week and was questioned by Boeing’s lawyers, and then cross-examined by his lawyer.
When he didn’t show up for further questioning on Saturday, authorities searched for him at his hotel. He was then found dead in his truck in the hotel parking lot, the BBC reported.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Boeing said it was “saddened by Mr. Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
The Charleston City Police Department is investigating.
Whistleblower raised safety concerns in 2019
Barnett was one of several whistleblowers who raised concerns over quality control and safety at a Boeing production plant in South Carolina in 2019 articles published by the BBC and New York Times.
At that time, Barnett said he had concerns that safety was being compromised when workers were under pressure…
