Another whistleblower who raised concerns about safety issues with Boeing airplanes has died under unexpected circumstances. Joshua Dean, a 45-year-old former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, passed away on Tuesday after a brief and severe illness, according to The Seattle Times.
Dean reportedly fell ill with pneumonia and a MRSA infection, spending two weeks in critical condition before succumbing to the illness. However, his death casts a shadow due to his role as a whistleblower against Boeing.
Allegations of Retaliation
While employed by Spirit AeroSystems, Dean filed a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alleging “serious and gross misconduct” by senior management overseeing the production of the 737 aircraft. He was subsequently fired in April 2023, and later claimed to the Department of Labor that his termination was retaliation for his continued concerns about manufacturing defects.
A String of Deaths
This incident follows the death of John Barnett, a former Boeing employee who died by suspected suicide in March while in the midst of a whistleblower lawsuit against the company. Both Dean and Barnett were represented by the same law firm, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Official Statements
A Spirit spokesperson offered condolences to Dean’s family, calling his death “stunning news.” No official statement has been released by Boeing at this time.
Safety Concerns Remain
The deaths of Dean and Barnett raise concerns about potential retaliation against whistleblowers who raise safety issues within the aviation industry. Authorities are investigating Dean’s death, but questions remain about potential connections to his role as a whistleblower.
