Family of Whistleblower John Barnett Sues Boeing, Alleging Harassment Led to Suicide

The family of former Boeing whistleblower John Barnett has filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming harassment precipitated his suicide after he raised safety concerns.

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‘Absolutely Foreseeable’: Dead Boeing Whistleblower’s Family Reportedly Sues Company

Daily Caller

Family Sues Boeing Over Whistleblower’s Suicide

Epoch Times

Boeing whistleblower’s family claims company’s conduct caused his suicide

The Guardian

Overview

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The family of John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company, alleging systematic harassment led to his suicide. Barnett raised safety concerns regarding Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and faced retaliation following his whistleblower claims. His death, ruled a suicide after intense deposition questioning, has ignited further scrutiny of Boeing's treatment of employees voicing safety issues. The lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress and asserts that Boeing’s actions were the foreseeable cause of Barnett’s deteriorating mental health and eventual death.

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: John Barnett raised concerns about safety and quality issues related to Boeing's production, including malfunctioning emergency oxygen systems and non-conforming parts in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Wikipedia, ABC News
: Boeing denied all of Barnett's allegations, stating that safety issues are immediately investigated and addressed. The company also expressed condolences to Barnett's family following his death.
ABC News, Fox News
: The family alleges that Boeing subjected John Barnett to harassment, abuse, and intimidation, leading to his suicide. They claim this was part of a systematic effort to discredit him after he raised quality control concerns.
ABC News, Fox News
: John Barnett's whistleblower complaint was closed by OSHA in favor of Boeing in 2021. Barnett and his attorneys appealed the decision and amended the complaint, but it was still pending at the time of his death.
Wikipedia

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