Major update in case of Boeing whistleblower found dead in his truck amid family's startling claim against the company

The family who filed a wrongful death lawsuit following John Barnett’s passing last year have reached a settlement.

Barnett died in March 2024 at the age of 62 after being grilled by lawyers for several days about his allegations on Boeing — a business Barnett worked at for over three decades. He retired in 2017.

Following his death, his family filed a suit against Boeing claiming the aviation company subjected him to a 'campaign of harassment, abuse and intimidation intended to discourage, discredit and humiliate him until he would either give up or be discredited'.

What did John Barnett say about Boeing before his death?

In 2019, Barnett expressed concerns about Boeing's oxygen systems on its 787 Dreamliner and claimed that there was a risk that passengers could be left without oxygen if the cabin pressurisation fails for any reason at altitude.

He also alleged that there was a rush to finish the fleet of aircrafts so safety and quality were compromised as a result, said BBC.

How did John Barnett die?

Barnett died by suicide, a police investigation concluded, after he was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Mr. Barnett sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his head at close range while inside his locked vehicle," a report released by Charleston Police Department last year read.

"No evidence of forced entry was found and there were no signs of a physical struggle within the vehicle. The vehicle’s key fob was discovered in Mr. Barnett’s pants pocket."

"Ballistic analysis verified that the fired cartridge casing and the bullet recovered at the scene had been fired from this specific firearm," police went on to note. "Furthermore, the trajectory of the bullet aligns with the gunshot wound observed. Mr. Barnett legally purchased the gun in 2000."

Former Boeing employee John Barnett expressed concerns about the company's planes (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

What is the latest update in the case?

After filing a wrongful death lawsuit in March, the family have reached a settlement. U.S. District Judge Bruce Hendricks dismissed the case Monday (May 12), according to court documents, The Seattle Times reported.

The documentation did not share any details about the settlement, but ordered that it needed to be finalized within 60 days, or the case would be reopened.

What has Boeing said?

Speaking yesterday (May 13), Boeing said in the wake of the case being closed, as per Fox 13: "We are saddened by John Barnett’s death and extend our condolences to his family. Boeing took actions several years ago to review and address the issues that Mr. Barnett raised."

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