Second Boeing whistleblower dies suddenly after severe infection

A mysterious fast-acting infection has claimed the life of a former quality auditor, just two months after another whistleblower appeared to have committed suicide.

The 45-year-old Joshua Dean died early on Tuesday. Before his abrupt hospitalization two weeks ago, Dean, who was employed by Kansas-based Spirit AeroSystems, a supplier of parts to Boeing, was said to be in good health.

Dean’s health had taken a serious turn by April 21st. Pneumonia, MRSA, and influenza B were detected by tests. Dialysis, intubation, and airlift to a specialized hospital in Oklahoma City were among the medical interventions performed. A stroke was also discovered by a CT scan.

The doctors’ consideration of amputating Dean’s hands and feet due to gangrene tragically revealed the extent of the infection. As stated by the Seattle Times, his family and doctors were perplexed.

In 2022, Dean voiced concerns regarding production flaws at Spirit AeroSystems prior to his illness. After that, he was fired, which made him think it was revenge for speaking up.

Dean claimed that his supervisors disregarded his warnings when he specifically pointed out incorrectly drilled holes in parts for Boeing 737 Max aircraft. He said that by concentrating on this problem, he overlooked another flaw and was fired as a result. Boeing experienced delays as a result of Spirit AeroSystems’ eventual acknowledgement of the drilling issue.

Dean claimed in a complaint that he was used as a scapegoat to hide these production issues with the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition, he filed a wrongful termination claim with the Department of Labor; as of the time of his death, the claim was still pending.

After a January incident in which a door hatch came off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max, a former coworker of Dean’s verified his allegations to the Seattle Times.

Dean’s demise coincides with the March passing of John Barnett, another whistleblower for Boeing, who apparently shot himself in the head. Because Barnett’s lawyers expressed concerns, the death of the man is still being investigated.

The lawyer for Dean and Barnett, Brian Knowles, said that the aviation community and passengers suffered a great loss when Dean’s courageous disclosure of safety issues was made public. Knowles emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and a culture where whistleblowers are not silenced, according to NPR, but she declined to comment on theories linking the deaths.

Dean had also been represented by Brian Knowles, the same lawyer.

“Josh’s passing is a loss to the aviation community and the flying public,” Knowles said to TIME.

“He possessed tremendous courage to stand up for what he felt was true and right and raised quality and safety issues,” Knowles continued.

When questioned whether he agreed with the emerging theories connecting his clients’ deaths one after the other, Knowles said he’d “like to see the evidence from the investigating authorities.”

“What society does not need is people in fear to speak up,” he added.

In interviews with various media outlets, Spirit AeroSystems expressed sympathy to Dean’s family and noted that his death was unexpected, saying, “This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones.”