A former Boeing supplier whistleblower who expressed concerns about manufacturing issues on the 737 MAX has died at the age of 45. Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, died from a sudden and rapidly developing infection, according to The Seattle Times. Joshua Dean, also known as Josh, lived in Wichita, Kansas, where Spirit AeroSystems is headquartered. Dean was one of the first whistleblowers to accuse Spirit leadership of ignoring “manufacturing defects” on the 737 MAX. Despite being in good health and known for his healthy lifestyle, he became seriously ill and spent two weeks in critical care before dying, according to his aunt, Carol Parsons.
His death comes after a turbulent period following his dismissal from Spirit AeroSystems in April 2023. Dean had filed a complaint with the US Department of Labor, stating that his firing was due to voicing his concerns about aircraft safety. Before his sad death, he gave a deposition in a Spirit shareholder case, describing claims of major malfeasance by senior quality management on the 737 assembly line.
Dean’s death occurred under circumstances identical to those of another Boeing whistleblower, John “Mitch” Barnett, who was discovered dead in an apparent suicide in March. Barnett, who was providing depositions on quality issues at Boeing’s Charleston site, was also accused of retaliatory behavior.
Joshua Dean’s death occurred under circumstances identical to those of another Boeing whistleblower, John “Mitch” Barnett
Boeing has been coping with increased regulatory scrutiny and other consequences following a flight burst of a cabin panel door plug on a nearly new 737 MAX 9 in January.
The planemaker is dealing with a series of challenges, ranging from the fatal crashes of two 737 MAX jets to a significant drop in travel during the pandemic.
Dean’s death occurred under circumstances identical to those of another Boeing whistleblower, John “Mitch” Barnett, who was discovered dead in an apparent suicide in March. Barnett, who was providing depositions on quality issues at Boeing’s Charleston site, was also accused of retaliatory behavior.
Boeing has been coping with increased regulatory scrutiny and other consequences following a flight burst of a cabin panel door plug on a nearly new 737 MAX 9 in January.
The planemaker is dealing with a series of challenges, ranging from the fatal crashes of two 737 MAX jets to a significant drop in travel during the pandemic.