Lawsuit filed against Boeing in whistleblower's death

Boeing is being sued over the death of whistleblower John Barnett, who took his own life after filing a lawsuit against the aerospace company.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Boeing is being sued over the death of whistleblower John Barnett, who took his own life after filing a lawsuit against the aerospace company last year, where he alleged retaliation, harassment and spying.

The backstory:

According to court documents, Barnett, of South Carolina, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound last March.

Barnett previously testified against Boeing, raising concerns about missing parts after the Alaska Airlines mid-flight door plug blowout.

Barnett was employed by Boeing for over three decades, and even had a stint working in Everett, before retiring in 2017. On the day of his death, Barnett was scheduled to continue testimony on the second day of depositions.

The lawsuit, filed by the personal representatives of Barnett's estate, claims Boeing drove him to his death.

"Whether or not Boeing intended to drive John to his death or merely destroy his ability to function, it was absolutely foreseeable that PTSD and unbearable depression, panic attacks, and anxiety, which would in turn lead to an elevated risk of suicide," the lawsuit states.

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