The family of whistleblower John “Mitch” Barnett has settled a wrongful-death lawsuit against Boeing that blames the company for Barnett’s suicide in March 2024.

U.S. District Judge Bruce Hendricks dismissed the case on Monday, according to court documents.

The court order did not include any details about the resolution of the lawsuit but said either party could reopen the case if a settlement is not finalized in 60 days.

Barnett’s family sued Boeing in March, alleging the company was at fault for Barnett’s suicide a year earlier. Barnett died at age 62 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while he was in South Carolina.

On the day he died, he was scheduled to testify in a deposition regarding allegations he had made years earlier that Boeing took intentional shortcuts while building planes. Police found a note beside his body that accused Boeing leaders of ruining his life and read “I hope Boeing pays.”

The wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Barnett’s family claims Boeing routinely batted down Barnett’s complaints and, over time, the grueling and frustrating process of whistleblowing sapped Barnett emotionally. His family’s lawyers contend that struggle set Barnett on the path to suicide.

In a statement Tuesday, Boeing said “we are saddened by John Barnett’s death and extend our condolences to his family.” The company added that it “took actions several years ago to review and address” the allegations Barnett had made about Boeing’s safety and quality.

Attorneys representing Barnett’s family could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.

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