Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, a Boeing supplier, passed away on Tuesday due to a severe infection, as reported by family members on Thursday. This tragic news comes just two months after another Boeing-related whistleblower, John Barnett, lost his life under mysterious circumstances.
Dean gained attention for raising concerns about safety issues and alleged misconduct within Boeing. He was among the first to speak out about potential defects in the 737 MAX, which could have contributed to aviation accidents.
According to reports from the Seattle Times, Dean, aged 45 and residing in Wichita, Kansas, appeared healthy until he began experiencing breathing difficulties about two weeks prior to his death. Despite efforts to treat him, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leaving his family devastated.
Dean’s passing follows Barnett’s death, who was also a whistleblower in the Boeing sphere. Barnett was found deceased from a gunshot wound, with investigations ongoing.
Both whistleblowers were represented by the same law firm in South Carolina. Barnett’s death, deemed a “self-inflicted gunshot injury” by the coroner, occurred in Charleston, the city where Boeing has a major manufacturing facility.
Boeing expressed sadness over Barnett’s passing, while Dean’s attorney refrained from speculating on the timing and circumstances surrounding both deaths.
Acknowledging the importance of whistleblowers, the attorney emphasized their role in exposing wrongdoing and corruption for the greater good of society. In light of these tragic events, condolences were extended to the families of both Dean and Barnett.
