“Information and records examined during the investigation revealed Mr. Barnett, which had increased in connection with the ongoing legal proceedings related to his whistleblower case,” police said in a statement.
“We remain acutely aware of the sensitivity and public interest surrounding this case,” a Charleston police spokesperson added CBS News. “It is important to emphasize that our investigation was strictly guided by facts and evidence, while undisturbed by suspicions and outside pressure.”
Barnett, who had worked at Boeing for 32 years, was found dead in his truck outside a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was staying while answering questions in depositions about his whistleblower complaint ahead of a hearing scheduled for June.
After his retirement in 2017, Barnett raised concerns about the aviation giant's safety. He had filed a lawsuit against Boeing, alleging that the company allowed “substandard” parts to be installed on Boeing 787 Dreamliners and endangered passengers by overlooking safety protocols to cut costs.
“John was deeply concerned about the safety of the aircraft and the flying public, and had identified a number of serious deficiencies that he felt had not been adequately addressed,” said Barnett's brother, Rodney, said in a family statement shortly after his death. “He said Boeing had a culture of secrecy and put profit before safety.”
Boeing said in a statement: “We are saddened by the passing of Mr. Barnett, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends.”
