The family of former Boeing quality manager and whistleblower who took his own life has filed a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Boeing on March 19, 2025, according to local media reports.
John Barnett was found dead in his vehicle in March last year. A suicide note found at the scene harangued the company, containing the words, “I pray Boeing pays”, amongst other things. He was, at the time, giving testimony in a legal case he initiated against Boeing regarding pushback from the company for pointing out safety issues. The year also marked a time for when Boeing's quality and safety control hit the headlines after the well-documented Flight 1282 incident.
Barnett had worked for Boeing for over three years before leaving in 2017.
The lawsuit claims Boeing managers had mistreated and intimated Barnett, causing him emotional distress that ultimately led to his death.
Boeing did not comment on the lawsuit but said in a statement: “We are saddened by John Barnett's death and extend our condolences to his family.”
Barnett made his comments about Boeing public in 2019.