Former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems and Boeing whistleblower Joshua Dean has tragically passed away at the age of 45 after battling a sudden and fast-spreading infection. Dean, who was known for raising concerns about potential manufacturing flaws in Boeing’s 737 MAX planes, had his health deteriorate 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, ultimately leading to his untimely demise. His passing comes closely after another Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett, reportedly died by suicide just two months prior.
Dean had gained recognition for meticulously documenting manufacturing issues in Boeing’s planes, such as improperly drilled holes in crucial components like the aft pressure bulkhead. However, his employment at Spirit AeroSystems was terminated in April 2023, a move he 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. Former Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour also recently testified before lawmakers about a culture within Boeing that prioritizes pushing flawed components despite safety risks.
In response to Salehpour’s testimony, Boeing acknowledged the presence of imperfections but emphasized their commitment to ongoing improvement. The deaths of Dean and Barnett serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by whistleblowers in the aerospace industry and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.