John Barnett, a former Boeing employee and whistleblower, died by suicide earlier this year. His lawyers have accused Boeing of being responsible for his death, citing a suicide note that he penned before taking his own life.
Barnett’s concerns about Boeing’s production standards and his subsequent retaliation by the company are believed to have contributed to his mental state. The suicide note, which was leaked, expresses Barnett’s anger towards Boeing and his love for his family and friends.
Barnett’s lawyers said in a statement that “Mr. Barnett’s last words make clear that while Boeing may not have pulled the trigger, the company is responsible for his death.” They also claimed that Barnett was suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks as a result of the retaliation he faced.
Boeing has not yet commented on the allegations made by Barnett’s lawyers. However, the company has previously said that it is committed to safety and that it takes all allegations of wrongdoing seriously.
Barnett’s death has raised concerns about the treatment of whistleblowers within the aviation industry. Some experts have called for stronger protections for those who speak out about safety concerns.
In the wake of Barnett’s death, Boeing has announced a number of changes to its safety procedures. The company has also pledged to invest more in employee training and development.
It remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to address the concerns raised by Barnett and his lawyers. However, his death has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the aviation industry and has raised important questions about the treatment of whistleblowers.
