Boeing whistleblower John Barnett died by suicide, according to a police investigation

An extensive law enforcement investigation determined the cause Death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett According to documents released Friday by the Charleston Police Department, it was a suicide.

Barnett had been in Charleston, South Carolina, testifying in his whistleblower trial against the troubled aerospace company when he was found dead of a gunshot wound in his car in the parking lot of his hotel on March 9. He was 62.

An initial investigation by the county coroner determined Barnett’s death was a fatality “apparent” suicide, but police said they would continue the investigation at the request of Barnett’s family and attorneys. Barnett’s death sparked speculation on social media that foul play may have been involved.

Documents released by police on Friday indicate that officers believed suicide was the cause of Barnett’s death. Investigators closed the case after receiving a ballistics report indicating the bullet was “fired from the firearm in the victim’s hand” and a completed autopsy from the medical examiner’s office confirming that Barnett died by suicide.

Investigators also detailed the contents of a notebook with Barnett’s fingerprints found next to him in the passenger seat of the car, which police said contained “something like a suicide note.” A copy of the note was released in which Barnett told his family and friends that he loved them and wrote, “I can’t do this anymore” and “I pray Boeing pays.”

“We are acutely aware of the sensitivity and public interest surrounding this case,” a Charleston police spokesman said in a statement. “It is important to emphasize that our investigation was strictly based on facts and evidence, without being disturbed by assumptions and external pressure.”

An attorney for Barnett and his family did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Barnett’s mother, Vicky Stokes, said CBS News in April she holds it Giant in aircraft construction responsible for the grueling treatment that ultimately left her son desperate.

“If it hadn’t taken so long, I would still have my son and my sons would have their brother and we wouldn’t be sitting here. So in that regard, I do,” Stokes said when asked if she blames Boeing for her son’s death.

John Barnett worked at Boeing for 32 years, the last seven as a quality manager. He became a whistleblower at the South Carolina factory that builds the 787 Dreamliner. He left the company in 2017, citing job-related stress.

Over this time, he developed concerns about the way the company was operating. Before resigning, he filed an administrative complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The agency said it had no reasonable reason to believe Boeing violated whistleblower laws. He then filed a lawsuit in 2021 alleging numerous safety concerns. Among them: stray titanium shavings falling into electrical wiring, defective oxygen tanks and managers urging him to cut corners.

Rodney Barnett said his brother told him that instead of addressing his concerns, the company subjected him to retaliation for speaking out, claiming that he was “embarrassed in meetings; he would be called out.” Rodney said his brother wasn’t the type of person to back down.

“He believed he was trying to do the right thing. And that bothered him, that no one was listening to what was going on there,” Rodney Barnett told CBS News.

Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but told CBS News last month that it had reviewed and corrected quality issues that Barnett raised before his retirement in 2017. The company said in a statement: “We are saddened by the passing of Mr. Barnett” and our thoughts are with his family and friends.

For years, Barnett had pushed forward his whistleblower retaliation lawsuit against Boeing. As part of their investigation, police investigators obtained Barnett’s medical records and cell phone conversations that showed he “suffered from numerous mental health issues related to the whistleblower case,” and those issues were “aggravated” when he was required to attend the court hearing Procedure.

Barnett’s family has told CBS News they are trying to move forward with the whistleblower case involving John Barnett, who is expected to go to trial in September.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach out 988 Lifeline for Suicide and Crisis by calling or texting 988. You can also Chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.

More information about Mental health resources and supportThe National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by email at [email protected].