Boeing Whistleblower Found Dead of Gunshot Wound

Lawyers Request Information After Mid-Deposition Death

March 12, 2024 | 2 min read | David Ryder | Bloomberg Getty Images

Attorneys representing a Boeing whistleblower who was recently found dead have requested additional information about the circumstances surrounding his demise. According to the lawyers, the deceased, John Barnett, was in good spirits and showed no signs of suicidal thoughts before his untimely passing.

Barnett, who was based in Louisiana, had traveled to South Carolina to provide testimony in a defamation lawsuit against Boeing. He alleged that the company had deliberately damaged his career in retaliation for his whistleblowing activities.

"This is a tragic day," said Brian Knowles, Barnett's attorney. "Barnett was scheduled to complete the third day of his deposition in Charleston when the incident occurred."

WCIV obtained a copy of the complaints that formed the basis of Barnett's federal labor lawsuit. The lawyers have released these documents publicly, hoping to shed light on the events leading up to Barnett's death.