Family of Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett Speaks Out Following His Death
In a heartrending revelation to CBS News, the family of John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager who became a whistleblower, opened up about the circumstances surrounding his tragic demise earlier this month. Facing what they describe as relentless adversity from Boeing, they attribute the immense strain he endured to the aerospace giant, suggesting it played a significant role in his untimely death.
A Mother’s Grief
Vicky Stokes, Barnett’s mother, expressed her profound loss, implying that if not for the prolonged tribulations her son faced, he might still be alive today. “If this hadn’t gone on so long, I’d still have my son, and my sons would have their brother and we wouldn’t be sitting here. So in that respect, I do,” she remarked, lamenting over the ordeal that left her son despondent.
Last Moments and Legacy
John Barnett passed away on March 9, in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was continuing his whistleblower case against Boeing. His lifeless body was discovered in his car, parked outside the hotel where he was staying, marking a sorrowful end just as he was about to delve back into providing deposition testimony against the company. His death, currently under police investigation, has been described by the coroner as an apparent suicide.
His family, enduring their grief, is adamant about preserving Barnett’s legacy—one rooted in advocating for the safety of the flying public. His brother, Rodney Barnett, shared with CBS News how deeply John was troubled by the negligence he perceived within Boeing, feeling ignored despite his persistent efforts to highlight critical safety issues.
The Whistleblower’s Claims
John Barnett’s tenure at Boeing spanned over three decades, with the last seven years dedicated to his role as a quality manager at the South Carolina factory responsible for assembling the 787 Dreamliner. It was during this period that Barnett grew increasingly alarmed by what he considered to be flagrant safety and quality lapses within the company.
Among his grave concerns were issues like stray titanium shavings finding their way into electrical wiring, defective oxygen tanks, and an unsettling push from management to expedite processes at the expense of safety. A lawsuit he filed in 2021 elaborated on these alarms, culminating in a battle for accountability that, unfortunately, Barnett would not live to see through.
In response to his dire warnings, Barnett faced not acknowledgment or corrective action, but retaliation, as he and his family allege. “Boeing quit listening to their employees. So every time I’d raise my hand and say, ‘hey we got a problem here’, they would attack the messenger and ignore the message,” Barnett elucidated in the 2022 Netflix documentary “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing.”
Boeing’s Stance and Aftermath
While Boeing has denied Barnett’s accusations, as well as the notion of retaliatory actions against him, his untimely departure casts a long shadow over the company. Amidst already mounting scrutiny over its safety practices, emphasized by recent issues with its 737 Max planes, Barnett’s allegations and his subsequent death underscore a crisis of confidence and culture within the aerospace firm.
His legal struggle against Boeing is set to continue, as confirmed by his attorneys, who alongside his grieving family, seek justice and reforms that might prevent future tragedies. As the case progresses, with a trial anticipated in September, Boeing confronts not only legal repercussions but a profound examination of its ethical and safety standards.
In light of these challenges, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has announced his intention to step down at the end of 2024, a decision that comes at a tumultuous time for the company, as it grapples with how best to rebuild its reputation and instill confidence in its commitment to safety and integrity.
Divya