Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, passed away on Tuesday morning following a swift and severe infection. Dean, one of the initial whistleblowers to raise concerns about manufacturing defects on the troubled Boeing 737 MAX, was 45 years old and had been known for his healthy lifestyle.
Dean’s aunt, Carol Parsons, revealed that he had been in critical condition for two weeks before succumbing to the infection. Spirit spokesperson Joe Buccino expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with Josh Dean’s family. This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones.”
Dean had played a pivotal role in shedding light on alleged manufacturing defects at Spirit AeroSystems. He had given a deposition in a shareholder lawsuit against Spirit and had filed a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), accusing senior management of ignoring safety concerns on the 737 production line.
His termination from Spirit in April 2023 led to further legal action, with Dean filing a complaint with the Department of Labor, alleging retaliation for his safety-related disclosures. According to Parsons, Dean fell ill over two weeks ago, experiencing difficulty breathing before being hospitalized. Despite medical intervention, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to his transfer to a hospital in Oklahoma City.
Despite aggressive treatment, including the use of an ECMO machine, Dean’s health continued to decline. Parsons shared that doctors considered amputating his limbs as his condition worsened, describing his ordeal as “brutal” and “heartbreaking.”
Dean’s passing comes amidst ongoing scrutiny surrounding aviation whistleblowers. John “Mitch” Barnett, another Boeing whistleblower, was found dead in an apparent suicide earlier this year. Barnett had been in the midst of giving depositions regarding alleged retaliation by Boeing for his quality-related complaints.
Brian Knowles, one of Dean’s lawyers, emphasized the importance of whistleblowers in uncovering wrongdoing, expressing sympathy for both Dean’s and Barnett’s families.
Dean, a mechanical engineer, had joined Spirit AeroSystems in 2019 and returned in 2021 as a quality auditor. His discoveries of manufacturing defects, including improper drilling in the aft pressure bulkhead of the 737 MAX, ultimately led to his termination.
Following Dean’s departure from Spirit, he briefly worked at Boeing Wichita before joining another company. Despite his challenges, Dean remained committed to raising awareness about safety concerns within the aviation industry.
Dean’s legacy as a whistleblower and advocate for aviation safety will endure, as investigations into the issues he raised continue.
Credit: Seattle Times
