‘I pray Boeing pays’: Whistleblower John Barnett’s shocking ‘suicide’ note, autopsy results revealed

Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found dead on March 9, 2024, before his testimony against the world’s largest aerospace company. Questions have been raised about his sudden death and even his lawyers have urged police in Charleston, South Carolina, to thoroughly investigate the case, adding that they “need more information about this that happened to John.”

Barnett, who had worked at Boeing for three decades, was found dead inside his truck with a gunshot wound to the head near the Holiday Inn at 301 Savannah Highway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He had submitted a whistleblower report alleging security concerns. The U.S. Department of Labor was investigating the matter and was expected to begin hearings on the complaint in June.

Here’s what Barnett’s autopsy report says

According to the autopsy report released Friday, Barnett, 62, was found sitting in the driver’s seat of his orange Dodge Ram.

Charleston County Deputy Coroner Ella Butler wrote that “his body was warm, the rigor had not yet set in,” mentioning that the bullet had struck him in the right temple.

“Black powder/discoloration, which appeared to be gunshot residue, was seen on the deceased’s right hand,” the official noted, according to the NY Post.

“A Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol, loaded magazine, and unfired 9mm Luger rounds were located on the console of the vehicle.”

Butler further stated that a notebook with writings suggesting a “suicide note” was found in the passenger seat. According to the coroner, the writings were examined by the Charleston Police Department, which found only Barnett’s fingerprints on the journal. “The writings contained information known only to his family.”

Butler concluded the autopsy report by stating that “the cause of death was determined to be: gunshot wound to the head” and that “the most appropriate manner of determining death is ‘suicide.’ »

Read also: Is Boeing in big trouble? World’s largest aerospace company faces 10 more whistleblowers after two people die suddenly

A look at Barnett’s ‘suicide note’: ‘I am at peace’

Meanwhile, the Charleston Police Department said the note discovered in his truck suggested he was “going through a period of serious personal distress.”

The volatile writings on the note show Barnett’s displeasure with Boeing and the protection afforded to the whistleblower, according to WMBF News.

“I pray Boeing pays,” the note read. “The protection of whistleblowers is also crap!”

Barnett also left a message for his loved ones. “Family and friends, I love you,” he said. “I found my purpose!” I am at peace!

Police say Barnett’s medical documents revealed a history of mental health problems that appeared to worsen with his ongoing legal battles. He had symptoms of “post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, sadness, fear of the imminent death of others, and intrusive thoughts.”

Barnett worked for Boeing as a quality control engineer for nearly thirty years. He retired in 2017 after making numerous complaints to his managers, which he says were not heard.

He allegedly warned supervisors about the use of substandard parts and oxygen systems with significant problems. According to the BBC, management did nothing to resolve these problems and Boeing refuted Barnett’s allegations.

A Charleston police representative told POST that the investigation into Barrett’s death is still ongoing, but autopsy reports will play a major role.