Boeing Whistleblowers Found Dead Amid Safety Investigations

John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager who worked on the 787 Dreamliner, was found dead in his truck on March 9, 2024, days after testifying in a lawsuit against the company. Barnett had raised concerns about Boeing's production standards and safety issues, particularly with the oxygen systems on the plane. The Charleston County coroner's autopsy report determined the cause of death to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, with the manner of death deemed "suicide."
Police investigators found Barnett alone and locked inside his vehicle with the key fob in his pocket, no signs of forced entry or a struggle, and no suspicious activity on his phone or hotel key card. Security footage showed Barnett leaving the hotel unaccompanied and returning to park his truck, which remained undisturbed until his body was discovered the following morning. The gun found in Barnett's hand was registered under his name and legally purchased in 2000. A notebook containing Barnett's fingerprints, found on the passenger seat, included a suicide note with profane messages directed at Boeing.
The note read, "I CAN'T DO THIS ANY LONGER!!! ENOUGH!! F*** BOEING!!!" and "Bury me face down so Boeing and their lying-a*** leaders can kiss my a**." Barnett also addressed his loved ones, writing, "TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, I FOUND MY PURPOSE! I'M AT PEACE! I LOVE YOU MORE." Medical records and interviews with family revealed Barnett had a history of mental health issues that worsened during his legal battles with Boeing.
However, Barnett's family and attorneys have raised doubts about the suicide ruling. A family friend, Jennifer, claimed that Barnett had predicted his death would not be a suicide if anything happened to him. Barnett's lawyer, Brian Knowles, called for a full investigation into his death.
Just weeks after Barnett's death, another Boeing whistleblower, Joshua Dean, died in early May 2024 following a brief illness. Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, had accused the company of ignoring manufacturing defects in Boeing's 737 Max and was involved in a shareholders lawsuit against Spirit. Dean's sister, Taylor Rae Roberts, announced his passing on Facebook, stating, "My handsome brother Joshua passed away this morning and is with our baby brother. I don't know how much more my family can take."
Attorney Brian Knowles, who represented both Barnett and Dean, emphasized the importance of whistleblowers in exposing wrongdoing and corruption in the industry. The deaths of these two whistleblowers have raised concerns about the safety of Boeing's aircraft and the treatment of those who speak out against the company.
Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased whistleblowers. Boeing stated, "We are saddened by Mr. Barnett's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends," while Spirit spokesperson Joe Buccino said, "Our thoughts are with Josh Dean's family. This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones."
The police investigation into Barnett's death is ongoing, with Sergeant Anthony Gibson of the Charleston Police Department stating, "We understand the global attention this case has garnered, and it is our priority to ensure that the investigation is not influenced by speculation but is led by facts and evidence."
As the aviation industry grapples with these tragic losses, questions remain about the safety of Boeing's planes and the company's treatment of whistleblowers who raise concerns about production standards and potential defects. The deaths of John Barnett and Joshua Dean have brought renewed attention to the importance of transparency, accountability, and the protection of those who speak out against wrongdoing in the pursuit of public safety.