Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, died from a “sudden, fast-spreading infection,” the Seattle Times reported.
Dean had been in good health before the infection.
He died after being in critical condition for two weeks. The whistleblower developed pneumonia and MRSA, passing away shortly thereafter.
Joe Buccino, Spirit spokesperson, said in a statement, “Our thoughts are with Josh Dean’s family. This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones.”
American Faith reported that a man actively involved in a whistleblower lawsuit against Boeing, John Barnett, was found dead inside his vehicle from “self-inflicted” injuries in March.
Both Barnett and Dean were represented by the same South Carolina law firm.
Dean previously filed a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), asserting there was “serious and gross misconduct by senior quality management of the 737 production line” at Spirit,” the Seattle Times noted.
Following his termination from Spirit in April 2023, Dean filed a complaint with the Department of Labor, alleging he was fired due to raising safety concerns.
One of Dean’s lawyers, Brian Knowles, said the timing between Dean’s and Barnett’s deaths is a “difficult set of circumstances.”
“Whistleblowers are needed. They bring to light wrongdoing and corruption in the interests of society. It takes a lot of courage to stand up,” Knowles said. “It’s a difficult set of circumstances. Our thoughts now are with John’s family and Josh’s family.”
