Boeing Pays $50,000 Settlement in Whistleblower John Barnett's Wrongful Death Lawsuit

John Barnett, who previously worked at Boeing, passed away in March 2024.

Boeing Co has agreed to a settlement of at least $50,000 in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of John Barnett, a whistleblower who died by suicide last year.

At the time of his death in March 2024, Barnett, a former Boeing employee, was providing testimony as part of his litigation against the company, in which he claimed retaliation for raising safety concerns.

His death, subsequently determined to be suicide, garnered worldwide media attention and intensified scrutiny of Boeing's manufacturing practices and workplace culture at the 787 Dreamliner facilities in North Charleston, South Carolina. This occurred while Boeing was simultaneously facing federal investigations of its Seattle-area factory following an incident where a door-shaped plug blew out of a 737 Max aircraft during flight.

According to a Friday filing seeking approval from a federal judge in Charleston, the parties reached a "full, final and confidential settlement" that dismisses all claims brought by Barnett and his estate, including the ongoing case at the time of his death. The comprehensive settlement terms, including any additional payment from Boeing, were not made public.

From the $50,000 settlement for the wrongful death claim, $20,000 will cover legal fees and costs, with the remaining amount going to the plaintiffs.

The filing states that Boeing "denied and continues to deny that any act or omission on its part" contributed to Barnett's injury or death.

In an emailed statement, Boeing said, "We are saddened by Mr. Barnett's death and extend our condolences to his family as we reach this resolution. Boeing took actions several years ago to review and address the issues that Mr Barnett raised."