Houston, Texas – Aviation companies dealing with a series of issues involving Boeing aircraft may face greater scrutiny following the deaths of two whistleblowers. In January 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Boeing with conspiracy to defraud the country, setting off a chain of events that led to the emergence of 32 whistleblowers. Among them, two individuals have tragically died under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns about the safety and integrity of Boeing’s operations.
The first whistleblower, John Barnett, a retired quality control manager at Boeing, raised alarms about faulty parts deliberately being installed on planes at one of the company’s factories. Despite bringing these concerns to management, Barnett’s claims were initially dismissed by Boeing. However, a 2017 review by the Federal Aviation Administration validated some of his apprehensions. Tragically, Barnett was found dead with a gunshot wound in his truck at a hotel car park after facing legal action from Boeing.
Another whistleblower, Joshua Dean, who previously worked as an auditor at a Boeing facility in Kansas, also faced repercussions for speaking out about safety issues within the company. After being fired for flagging improperly drilled holes in fuselages, Dean later succumbed to a critical MRSA bacterial infection. Both Barnett and Dean were represented by attorney Brian Knowles, who emphasized the importance of encouraging and rewarding individuals who raise legitimate concerns within the aviation industry.
These incidents shed light on the challenges faced by whistleblowers in the aviation sector and underscore the importance of fostering a culture that values transparency and accountability. As the investigations into Boeing’s practices continue, the tragic fates of John Barnett and Joshua Dean serve as stark reminders of the risks associated with speaking out against corporate malpractice in the industry.