Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor for Spirit AeroSystems, a supplier to Boeing, has died suddenly following his disclosure of manufacturing defects in Boeing’s 737 MAX. Dean, who was 45, succumbed to a rapid infection. Prior to his death, he had been dismissed from his position in 2023, having alleged misconduct by senior management which he claimed led to his retaliatory termination.

This incident occurs shortly after the death of another Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett, who was found deceased in his vehicle. Barnett had previously raised safety concerns about the use of defective parts in Boeing planes. Following his disclosures, he provided evidence in a lawsuit against Boeing.

These successive deaths raise concerns within the aviation industry regarding the treatment of whistleblowers and the practices surrounding safety and quality. U.S. prosecutors have initiated investigations into incidents involving Boeing aircraft, reflecting ongoing scrutiny over the company’s adherence to safety protocols. Both cases highlight the crucial role of whistleblowers in exposing potential risks and misconduct within the aviation sector.