Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, passed away early Tuesday morning due to a sudden and severe infection, as reported by the Seattle Times. This incident occurs less than two months after the mysterious death of John Barnett, another whistleblower associated with Boeing.
Dean, 45, resided in Wichita, Kansas—home to Spirit AeroSystems—and was previously known for his robust health and active lifestyle. He became a central figure in exposing alleged safety issues within Boeing’s 737 MAX production line, highlighting significant risks and operational concerns.
The details surrounding Dean’s illness reveal a swift and harrowing decline in his health. According to his aunt, Carol Parsons, Dean initially sought hospital care for breathing difficulties but quickly deteriorated after being intubated. He developed pneumonia followed by a severe MRSA infection. Despite being transferred to a hospital in Oklahoma City and supported by an ECMO machine, Dean suffered multiple complications including a stroke, leading to considerations for the amputation of his limbs before his death.
Spirit AeroSystems has expressed their condolences, with spokesperson Joe Buccino stating, “Our thoughts are with Josh Dean’s family. This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones.”
Dean’s dismissal from Spirit AeroSystems in April 2023 led him to file a Department of Labor complaint, alleging retaliation for voicing safety concerns related to the 737 MAX’s manufacturing processes. In an interview with NPR in February, he commented on the repressive environment for whistleblowers within the industry, suggesting that those who speak out might face severe repercussions.
This event closely follows the death of John Barnett, another Boeing whistleblower, who died under mysterious circumstances. Barnett’s death, initially reported as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, is still under active investigation, with many, including Barnett’s close friends and lawyers, questioning the circumstances and suggesting foul play. Barnett had previously expressed to a friend that if anything were to happen to him, it would not be by his own hand, a sentiment captured in reports by The Gateway Pundit.
The back-to-back deaths of Dean and Barnett cast a long shadow over Boeing, intensifying scrutiny and debate over the aerospace giant’s handling of internal safety complaints and its treatment of those who bring these issues to light. As the investigations continue, the aviation community and public remain vigilant, awaiting answers in these disturbing developments.