Whistleblower Joshua Dean, Former Boeing Supplier Employee at Spirit AeroSystems, Passes Away After Sudden Illness Amid Allegations of Ignoring Production Defects in the 737 MAX
Joshua Dean, a former employee of Spirit AeroSystems and a whistleblower who accused the company of ignoring serious defects in the production of the Boeing 737 MAX, has died following a sudden illness, according to his family and lawyer. Dean's accusations against the company, where he had worked at its Wichita, Kansas plant, included allegations of being terminated as retaliation for his whistleblowing on lax standards that compromised safety and quality.
The story of Joshua Dean came to light through posts shared by his family members on social media. His aunts and sister expressed their grief and shock, describing Dean as a man of great courage who stood up for what he believed was right. "He raised quality and safety issues that aviation companies should not only listen to but encourage and incentivize," Dean's lawyer, Knowles, told Al Jazeera. The response from Spirit AeroSystems was one of sympathy towards Dean's family during this difficult time. A spokesperson stated, "This sudden loss is stunning news here at Spirit and for his loved ones."
Dean's health battles prior to his death were severe. His mother revealed in a Facebook post that he had been "fighting for his life" after contracting pneumonia, which was complicated by a stroke following an MRSA infection. Despite his struggles, Dean was remembered by his community and colleagues for leading a generally healthy lifestyle. The Seattle Times, which was first to report his demise, noted that Dean was 45 years old and had previously been in good health.
This tragic news comes in the wake of another disturbing event involving a Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett, who was found dead under circumstances described by South Carolina authorities as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Barnett, aged 62, was actively involved in a legal battle against Boeing, claiming retaliation for exposing safety issues with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Spirit AeroSystems has faced its own set of challenges and scrutiny. It was revealed earlier this year that a door panel constructed by Spirit AeroSystems blew out during a flight on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January. The incident, involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, became part of multiple investigations and added to a growing list of safety concerns associated with Boeing’s aircraft manufacturing processes.
Joshua Dean had taken his concerns about Spirit AeroSystems to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), filing a complaint over what he perceived as serious quality failings at the production facility. He also testified in a shareholder lawsuit against the company, reinforcing the gravity of his claims. In a conversation with NPR earlier in the year, Dean had expressed his belief that his dismissal was intended as a warning to others who might consider speaking out against similar issues.
As the aviation community and the public await further details and outcomes from ongoing investigations into these matters, the deaths of both Dean and Barnett highlight the significant personal risks and challenges faced by those who choose to expose wrongdoing within powerful industries.
