Connect with us

CBS News

Boeing whistleblower John Barnett died by suicide, police investigation concludes

Avatar

Published

on


An extensive law enforcement investigation has determined the cause of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett’s death was suicide, according to documents released Friday by the Charleston Police Department.

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

An initial investigation by the county coroner had concluded Barnett’s death was an “apparent” suicide, but police said they would continue to investigate after requests from Barnett’s family and attorneys. Barnett’s death fueled speculation on social media that foul play may have been involved. 

Documents released Friday by police indicate officials have accepted suicide as Barnett’s cause of death. Investigators closed the case after receiving a ballistics report stating the bullet had been “fired by the firearm located in the victim’s hand” and a completed autopsy from the coroner’s office confirming Barnett died by suicide. 

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

“We remain acutely aware of the sensitivity and public interest surrounding this case,” said a Charleston police spokesperson in a statement. “It is important to emphasize that our investigation was guided strictly by facts and evidence while remaining undisturbed by conjecture and external pressures.”

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

Barnett’s mother, Vicky Stokes, told CBS News in April she holds the aircraft manufacturing giant responsible for the grinding treatment that ultimately left her son despondent.  


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

For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.



Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

CBS News

Saturday Sessions: Marcus King performs “Save Me”

Avatar

Published

on


Saturday Sessions: Marcus King performs “Save Me” – CBS News


Watch CBS News



Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Marcus King started playing guitar at eight. As a teen, he formed his own band and started performing. Now, he’s releasing his third critically acclaimed solo album. The personal project focuses on mental health and was produced by the legendary Rick Rubin. From “Mood Swings,” here is Marcus King with “Save Me.”

Be the first to know

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.




Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

CBS News

New documentary explores the private life of “Superman” icon Christopher Reeve

Avatar

Published

on


Long before comic book characters dominated movie screens, actor Christopher Reeve made the world believes in superheroes with the 1978 classic “Superman.” 

Reeve died in 2004, nearly a decade after an accident re-shaped his life. “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is using interviews with family and friends and never-before-seen home videos to explore his real-life heroism. 

Reeve started his career on the stage, studying at the prestigious Juilliard School and living with comedian Robin Williams. The pair had a friendship that was “more like a brotherhood,” said Reeve’s son Matthew. Reeve was in awe of Williams’ energy and versatility, Matthew Reeve said, but audiences quickly clued into Reeve’s own star power when he took on the role of the Man of Steel

Christopher Reeve in 'Superman'
Christopher Reeve as Superman in a scene from “Superman.” 

Warner Bros. Pictures / Getty Images


To his children, though, he “was just dad,” Matthew Reeve said. The documentary explores how Matthew Reeve and his sister Alexandra Reeve Givens grew up watching their dad take the stage as Superman. “Super/Man” also reveals their heartbreak over their parents’ breakup and the joy they found when Reeve re-married. He tied the knot with Dana Reeve in 1992, and the pair welcomed another child, William Reeve, later that year.  

“Dana was sunshine,” Alexandra Reeve Givens recalled. “She just brought joy with her wherever she was and could find it even in the darkest moments.” 

Those dark moments came suddenly, when in 1995, a near-fatal horseback riding accident left Reeve paralyzed from the neck down. The documentary allows viewers to see, for the first time, what went on out of the public’s view. Reeve can be heard talking about how he “ruined (his) life and everybody else’s,” but in a touching moment, old friend Robin Williams is seen visiting him in the hospital.

“Robin showed him ‘Hey, you’re still you,'” Alexandra Reeve Givens said. “‘You still have this foundation of friendship and people around you, who adore you. And you’re going to find those fun moments in life again.'” 

That support from friends and family re-ignited Reeve’s legacy of activism. He made appearances at the Democratic National Convention and the 68th Academy Awards in 1996, about a year after the accident. Matthew Reeve said watching his father address his industry peers at the Oscars was “one of (his) most proud moments.”

“It was just a production for him to get out of bed every morning, let alone get across the country and go out in public for the first time,” Matthew Reeve said. “It was a big deal. It was a big deal to him, but it was also a big deal to the entire disability community. We stayed up in London till like three in the morning to watch that live. It’s a fond memory.”  

Actor Christopher Reeve (L), wife Dana (R) and com
Christopher Reeve (L), wife Dana (R) and comedian-actor Robin Williams (C) pose while at the Governor’s Ball after the 68th Annual Academy Awards 25 March in Los Angeles.

Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images


Reeve also went on to launch what would become the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing research into spiral cord injury and help individuals and families impacted by paralysis. It was his dad’s mission to find a cure, Matthew Reeve said, while his stepmother wanted to focus on improving the lives of paralyzed people and their families. The foundation and Reeve’s platform helped bring unprecedented attention and funding to spinal cord injury research. 

Reeve even kept acting and realized his lifelong dream of directing with the 1997 HBO movie “In the Gloaming.” Reeve died in 2004 from heart failure at 52.

“There is a huge amount of great actors and actresses out there, where their filmography might be amazing and what they achieve on a cultural level might be amazing, but have they actually achieved anything really as a human that moves the needle for our society?” said filmmaker Ian Bonhote, who made the documentary with Peter Ettedgui. “And Chris has done both things.” 

“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” will open in theaters on Friday, Oct. 11. 



Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

CBS News

How England’s most traditional meal is changing

Avatar

Published

on


How England’s most traditional meal is changing – CBS News


Watch CBS News



The British have enjoyed a Sunday roast for generations, but the tradition is changing. Chef Tom Kerridge, owner of the world’s only two Michelin-starred pub, explained the dish’s evolution – as well as what makes it so beloved.

Be the first to know

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.




Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024 Breaking MN

Log In

Forgot password?

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Add to Collection

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.