Boeing Whistleblower Found Dead Amid Depositions Against Plane Company
Deceased Testified in Local Federal Court Case
Barnett's Death Ruled Suicide
Renton, Wash. (CNN) - John Barnett, an aviation worker who alleged retaliation by his employer, Boeing, was found dead of an apparent suicide, according to Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano.
Barnett had been in Charleston, South Carolina, offering testimony in his whistleblower case against the embattled aerospace company when he was found unconscious with a gunshot wound to the head, Charleston County Sheriff's Maj. Eric Watson said. Officials ruled his death a suicide, Watson said.
Barnett, a former quality auditor and union official at Spirit AeroSystems, had publicly voiced concerns about the safety of Boeing's 737 Max aircraft, which was involved in two fatal crashes in recent years.
In his lawsuit, Barnett alleged that Boeing retaliated against him for raising those concerns, including by firing him in 2018.
Boeing has denied the allegations in Barnett's lawsuit, and the company said in a statement that it was "deeply saddened" to learn of his death.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," the company said.
Barnett's death has raised questions about the safety of Boeing's aircraft and the treatment of whistleblowers in the aerospace industry.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said in a statement that he will be "closely monitoring the investigation into Mr. Barnett's death and will continue to press for answers about the safety of the 737 Max aircraft."
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