Second Boeing Whistleblower Dies After ‘Sudden’ Illness

Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, died Tuesday after “a struggle with a sudden, fast-spreading infection,” according to The Seattle Times (Center bias).

The Infection: Dean was 45 years old, and according to the Times, “had been in good health and was noted for having a healthy lifestyle.” He spent two weeks in critical condition, in which he developed pneumonia and a “serious bacterial infection.” A post from Dean’s mother said a CT scan revealed he had suffered a stroke.

The Details: Dean previously filed a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration alleging “serious and gross misconduct by senior quality management of the 737 production line” at Spirit. He also gave a deposition in a Spirit shareholder lawsuit and filed a complaint with federal officials after Spirit fired him in April 2023, claiming unfair termination.

For Context: Dean is the second Boeing whistleblower to die in what media outlets have framed as suspicious circumstances this year. In March, former Boeing employee turned whistleblower John Barnett was found dead in a hotel parking lot on the day he was scheduled to meet with lawyers as part of a deposition he’d been giving in a case against Boeing. Officials ruled Barnett’s death a suicide, though the investigation is still ongoing. According to the Times, Dean and Barnett were represented by the same South Carolina law firm.

How The Media Covered It: Coverage was largely based on The Seattle Times’ reporting and included context on Barnett’s death.