In a shocking development, Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, 62, was discovered deceased inside his truck in a hotel parking lot in South Carolina over the weekend. Barnett, who had exposed alleged safety issues at the aircraft manufacturer, had been providing testimony in an ongoing lawsuit against the company.

The Charleston city police department has launched an investigation into Barnett's death, as confirmed by the office of Charleston County coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal. Prior to his retirement in 2017, Barnett had served at Boeing for over three decades. Tragically, he was found dead just days after giving his initial testimony, with the cause of death appearing to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, stated the Charleston County coroner to BBC News.

Throughout 2019, Barnett had raised concerns that Boeing intentionally used defective parts in its planes, specifically highlighting potential risks in the 787 Dreamliner. He had warned that passengers could face oxygen deprivation in the event of sudden decompression. At the time, Boeing denied these allegations, emphasizing its adherence to strict safety protocols.

Coincidentally, on Saturday, U.S. prosecutors initiated a criminal inquiry into an incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX flown by Alaska Airlines. The aircraft experienced a mid-air fuselage rupture on January 5, leading to an investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Interviews with witnesses, including the flight crew, have reportedly been conducted as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Barnett had been staying at a hotel while in town to provide a deposition related to the aforementioned case. His attorney, Brian Knowles, expressed doubts about the circumstances of Barnett's death. Knowles shared his concerns, stating, "Today is a tragic day. John had been back and forth for quite some time getting prepared. The defense examined him for their allotted seven hours on Thursday."

These series of events have raised questions about the internal affairs within Boeing, according to Barnett himself. In a late-January interview with ABC News in Australia, he stated, "Once you understand what's happening inside of Boeing, you'll see why we're seeing these kinds of issues."

The untimely death of John Barnett sends shockwaves through the aviation industry. With ongoing investigations into Boeing's safety procedures, the focus on ensuring the protection and well-being of passengers remains paramount. As the Charleston police delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Barnett's passing, the industry eagerly awaits further developments in this disheartening saga.