Former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems (a crucial supplier for Boeing) and whistleblower Joshua Dean has passed away at the age of 45 due to a sudden and fast-spreading infection, media outlets reported on Tuesday. Dean’s death comes closely on the heels of another Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett, who reportedly died by suicide just two months prior.
Dean’s health deteriorated just over two weeks ago when he began experiencing breathing difficulties. Despite aggressive medical intervention, including the use of an ECMO machine, Dean’s condition continued to worsen, leading to his demise after a brief struggle.
Dean gained recognition for being among the first to raise concerns about potential manufacturing flaws in Boeing’s 737 MAX planes. He meticulously documented his observations, particularly highlighting issues such as improperly drilled holes in the aft pressure bulkhead, a crucial component for maintaining cabin pressure.
However, Spirit AeroSystems terminated his employment in April 2023, a move Dean believed was retaliation for exposing the aircraft flaws.
The timing of Dean’s death draws parallels to Barnett’s passing, who died amidst a legal battle alleging retaliation for whistleblowing on safety concerns related to the 787 Dreamliner.
Last month, former Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour testified before lawmakers on Capitol Hill, shedding light on a culture within Boeing that prioritises pushing flawed components despite safety risks. Salehpour, who spent 17 years at Boeing, became a whistleblower after facing consequences for raising safety issues regarding the 787 Dreamliner and 777 aircraft.
In response to Salehpour’s testimony, Boeing acknowledged the presence of imperfections but asserted its commitment to ongoing improvement.