Tragic Aftermath: Family Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Boeing After Whistleblower's Suicide

The family of John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager and whistleblower, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the aerospace giant following his tragic suicide in March 2022. The lawsuit, initiated by his mother and brothers, accuses Boeing of creating a hostile work environment that included harassment and retaliation when Barnett raised serious safety concerns about Boeing’s production practices. Barnett, who devoted 32 years to the company, claimed that management mistreated him in response to his whistleblowing regarding defects in aircraft and violations of safety procedures, ultimately leading to his debilitating depression and anxiety.

The lawsuit highlights allegations of a systematic campaign against Barnett, describing how he was denigrated, blacklisted from quality control positions, and isolated from friends still working at Boeing. Following his early retirement in 2017, pressured and suffering from mental health issues, Barnett’s mental state deteriorated, culminating in a heartbreaking final note expressing despair. The lawsuit contends that Boeing’s actions were a foreseeable cause of his death and that Barnett took his responsibilities seriously, believing it was his duty to protect the safety of the flying public.

Boeing responded with condolences to Barnett’s family while denying the allegations, insisting that they addressed his concerns and that their actions had not compromised airplane safety. They referenced a 2020 decision where OSHA found no violations of whistleblower protection laws in Barnett’s case. The lawsuit comes during a period of heightened scrutiny on Boeing’s safety standards following several serious incidents and heightened regulatory scrutiny over their production processes, including a recent incident involving the 737 Max. This case reflects broader implications regarding employee rights and corporate responsibility in ensuring a safe workplace.