Boeing whistleblower found dead in US in apparent suicide

Former Boeing employee and whistleblower John Barnett has been found dead in the United States from an apparent “self-inflicted“ wound. Mr Barnett, a former quality manager at the US aerospace giant, retired from Boeing in 2017 after 32 years. The Charleston County coroner stated Mr Barnett died on March 9 “from what appears to be a self-inflicted wound,“ with police now investigating. The 62-year-old had raised concerns about Boeing’s production standards and was giving evidence in a whistleblower lawsuit against the company before his death. Although he was scheduled to attend further questioning on Saturday, Mr Barnett failed to show up. According to the BBC, Mr Barnett was found dead in his truck in the parking lot of his Charleston hotel in South Carolina following inquiries as to his whereabouts. In a statement, Boeing expressed sadness at Mr Barnett’s passing, offering condolences to his family and friends. “We are saddened by Mr Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends,“ the statement read. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 Headspace on 1800 650 890 ReachOut at Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774