Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor for Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems and a whistleblower who had flagged serious safety concerns in the manufacturing of 737 Max jets, died at the age of 45 after a rapid decline in health due to a MRSA infection, as his family disclosed.
Dean had raised alarms about improperly drilled holes in the fuselage of 737 Max jets, a concern that predates the recent emergency involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, where a door panel blew off midair. “Josh’s passing is a loss to the aviation community and the flying public,” lawyer Brian Knowles stated, emphasizing Dean’s boldness in confronting issues he saw within the industry.
In a sad turn of events, Dean’s health sharply deteriorated after he contracted Influenza B and MRSA, leading to pneumonia. Despite being airlifted for advanced care, medical efforts failed to save him. “His absence will be deeply felt. We will always love you Josh,” mourned Carol Dean Parsons, his aunt.
Dean is the second Boeing-related whistleblower to die in the past three months. In March, John Barnett, 62, died in Charleston, S.C., “from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the local coroner said. At the time, Barnett had been testifying in his retaliation lawsuit against Boeing. Police in Charleston say they’re still investigating his death.
Dean took that job seriously and grew increasingly frustrated with what he described as a “a culture of not counting defects correctly” at Spirit. During two interviews in January, Dean said that Spirit pressured employees not to report defects in order to get planes out of the factory faster. His termination from Spirit last year, which he claimed was retaliation for his whistleblowing.
In his auditor role, Dean realizes Spirit workers mis-drilled holes on the 737 Max aft pressure bulkhead, representing a potential threat to maintaining cabin pressure during flight. The lawsuit accuses the company of concealing the problem. “Our thoughts are with Josh Dean’s family. This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones,” said Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino.
Relevant articles:
– Whistleblower Joshua Dean, who raised concerns about Boeing jets, dies at 45 , NPR, 05/04/2024
– Second Boeing whistleblower dies ‘suddenly’ in Oklahoma, The Telegraph, 05/03/2024
– Boeing Whistleblower Joshua Dean Dies After Short Illness, Second Whistleblower to Pass Away This Year, Arise News, 05/03/2024
– Whistleblower who accused Boeing supplier of ignoring defects dies, Al Jazeera English, 05/02/2024