Former Boeing employee, John Barnett, who had previously denounced the company for safety failures on their airplanes, was found dead in his apartment in California. The 52-year-old former inspector had reportedly warned colleagues that if anything were to happen to him, it should not be considered a suicide.
Barnett had gone public with claims that Boeing had not properly addressed safety concerns in its production processes, including issues with faulty parts on their planes. He had provided documentation and testimony to support his claims, which had caused a stir within the aviation industry.
His death has sparked speculation and raised questions about whether foul play may have been involved. The circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been disclosed, and investigators are currently looking into the case.
Barnett’s passing comes at a critical moment for Boeing, which has been under increasing scrutiny following the two fatal crashes of its 737 Max planes in 2018 and 2019. The company has already faced numerous investigations and legal challenges related to the crashes, which resulted in the grounding of the 737 Max fleet and significant financial losses for Boeing.
The news of Barnett’s death has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, with many expressing concerns about the potential risks faced by whistleblowers who come forward with safety concerns. Some have called for a thorough investigation into Barnett’s death and for greater protections for those who speak out against corporate wrongdoing.
The story of John Barnett serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals who choose to speak truth to power. As the investigation into his death continues, many are left wondering whether his warnings and premonitory words will be heeded, or if his concerns will be dismissed once again.