The aviation industry was rocked by the tragic death of former Boeing employee and whistleblower John Barnett, 62, who was found dead in his truck in a hotel parking lot in South Carolina. Barnett had been giving evidence in a lawsuit against Boeing, alleging serious safety concerns at the airplane manufacturer's North Charleston plant. He had worked at Boeing for 32 years, retiring in 2017 after working as a quality manager at the plant that manufactured the 787 Dreamliner.

Barnett had raised alarm about issues with oxygen systems and the use of sub-standard parts in Boeing planes, which he believed compromised passenger safety. Despite alerting managers to his concerns, Barnett claimed no action was taken. Boeing denied his allegations, but a 2017 review by the Federal Aviation Administration found unknown “non-conforming” parts in the North Charleston factory, similar to Barnett's claims.

The circumstances of Barnett's death, which appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, raised questions about the pressure and stress he faced while working at Boeing. His family stated that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety attacks due to a "hostile work environment" that valued profits over safety. Barnett had filed a whistleblower complaint and a defamation lawsuit against Boeing, seeking to hold the company accountable for its practices.

Boeing expressed condolences at Barnett's passing, and the news of his death comes amidst a series of incidents involving Boeing planes, including a mid-air fuselage rupture on a Boeing 737 MAX flown by Alaska Airlines and injuries on a Boeing Dreamliner flight from Sydney to Auckland. The Justice Department has opened an investigation into the Alaska Airlines incident, adding to the scrutiny Boeing is facing.

Barnett's death serves as a tragic reminder of the challenges faced by whistleblowers in the aviation industry and the importance of prioritizing safety over profits. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can seek help from organizations like the Samaritans or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.