Second Whistleblower Who Accused Boeing Of 'Ignoring Defects' In Its Planes Has Suddenly Died

Another whistleblower who raised alarms about possible defects in airplane manufacturing has tragically died.

In January 2024, a shocking incident occurred involving an Alaskan Airlines flight.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 Max 9, experienced a door plug blowout while flying at 16,000 feet.

Fortunately, no one was hurt, and all crew members and passengers were safely brought back to the ground.

Earlier this year, a door plug blew out of an Alaskan airlines flight Stephen Brashear / Getty Images

Following this alarming incident, authorities quickly initiated an investigation to determine how it could have happened.

One of the whistleblowers who stepped forward was Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor for Boeing’s supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.

Dean claimed that the leadership at Spirit AeroSystems overlooked manufacturing defects on the Boeing 737 Max.

He accused Spirit of engaging in "serious and gross misconduct by senior quality management of the 737 production line."

Dean, who was 45 years old, also participated in a shareholder lawsuit against Spirit.

Taylor Rae Roberts / Facebook

The lawsuit claimed that the company favored "production numbers and short-term financial outcomes over product quality," as reported by Supply Chain Dive.

In January, Dean disclosed that he was terminated from his position at Spirit in April 2023.

He had raised concerns about incorrectly drilled holes in the aircraft's fuselage.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, he said: "It is known at Spirit that if you make too much noise and cause too much trouble, you will be moved. 

"It doesn't mean you completely disregard stuff, but they don't want you to find everything and write it up."

Dean used to work for Spirit AeroSystems Jason Redmond/ AFP/ Getty Images

Spirit has denied these allegations and affirmed its intention to defend its position in court.

Recently, it was revealed that Dean has died, making him the second Boeing whistleblower to pass away.

Dean’s aunt, Carol Parsons, told The Seattle Times that about two weeks ago, Dean started experiencing difficulty breathing, which led to his hospitalization.

According to a social media post by Dean's mother, he developed pneumonia, contracted a bacterial infection, and subsequently suffered a stroke, leading to his death.

Dean's sister, Taylor Rae Roberts, announced his passing in a heartfelt Facebook post. 

Joshua Dean was 45 years old when he passed away Facebook / Jenny Dean

She expressed her profound grief, writing: "My handsome brother Joshua passed away this morning and is with our baby brother. 

"I don't know how much more my family can take. I don't know how much more I can take honestly."

Spirit's spokesperson, Joe Buccino, spoke to The Independent, saying: "Our thoughts are with Josh Dean's family. This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones."

Dean’s death comes shortly after the demise of fellow whistleblower John 'Mitch' Barnett, who died from a gunshot wound in March.

The coroner's office concluded that Barnett's death was the result of "a self-inflicted gunshot wound," but the police investigation is still ongoing.

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Brian Knowles, one of Dean's lawyers, reflected on the situation, stating: "Whistleblowers are needed.

"They bring to light wrongdoing and corruption in the interests of society. It takes a lot of courage to stand up. It's a difficult set of circumstances.

"Our thoughts now are with John's family and Josh's family."