(NewsNation) — Lawyers representing the Boeing whistleblower who was found dead outside a South Carolina hotel are urging caution, expressing disbelief over John Barnett’s apparent suicide amid testimony about safety concerns in a lawsuit against his former employee.
Barnett’s death comes as Boeing’s quality and safety standards face scrutiny following several notable incidents, including a door plug blowing off a Boeing 737 Max jetliner mid-air and a tire falling after takeoff.
Police said this is an active investigation, but attorneys expressed shock as Barnett was actively pursuing his case against Boeing. Barnett was even questioned on the day of his death, and attorneys emphasized he was in good spirits, eager to move past it all.
The Charleston Police Department discovered the body of Barnett, 62, inside a car at a hotel parking lot. According to the police report, officers found him with “what appeared to be a silver handgun in his right hand resting on his lap and his right pointer finger still remaining on the trigger.”
The report continued stating, “Laying in plain view on the passenger seat was a white piece of paper that closely resembles a note.”
In a statement regarding Barnett’s death, Boeing expressed, “We are saddened by Mr. Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Barnett was in South Carolina for questioning, related to his whistleblower lawsuit against Boeing. He had raised concerns about the quality and safety at Boeing’s North Charleston plant since 2019. His allegations included overworked employees, sub-standard parts and faulty oxygen masks.
Boeing has denied these claims. However, following the January door-plug incident, Barnett spoke to TMZ.
Barnett’s brother said he has been grappling with PTSD and anxiety ever since his time working at Boeing.