A second whistleblower who exposed safety issues at Boeing has died suddenly. Joshua Dean, 45, a former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, a Boeing supplier, passed away on Tuesday due to complications from a sudden infection. Dean had been in good health and led an active lifestyle before his sudden illness.
Dean claimed that Spirit AeroSystems’ leadership ignored manufacturing defects in Boeing’s 737 MAX. He was fired from the company in April 2023 and later filed a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alleging retaliation for raising safety concerns.
Dean’s death follows that of another Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett, who died in March. Barnett had also spoken out about safety issues at Boeing and was giving evidence in a lawsuit against the company before his death.
Joshua Dean (Credits: Global News)
The FAA has grounded 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft for review and prohibited the company from increasing production of the MAX series aircraft. The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, which will focus on whether Boeing complied with a 2021 settlement agreement.
Boeing’s CEO and two other top executives have resigned, citing the need for a more “transparent” approach to safety and quality. Dean’s death has raised concerns about the company’s treatment of whistleblowers and its commitment to safety.
Another Boeing whistleblower dies after raising safety concerns (Credits: The Times)
The investigation into Dean’s death is ongoing, and the circumstances of his sudden illness and death are still unclear. His family and loved ones are seeking answers and justice.
The aviation industry is being scrutinized over its handling of safety issues and whistleblower complaints. As part of its investigation, the Department of Justice is interviewing witnesses, including the crew on the Alaska Air flight.
Dean’s death is a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and transparency in the aviation industry. His bravery in speaking out about safety issues will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire others to come forward and demand accountability.
