Another death
Boeing whistleblower dies unexpectedly
Joshua Dean, a former quality inspector at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems and one of the first whistleblowers to disclose manufacturing defects on the 737 MAX, died Tuesday morning from a fast-spreading infection.
Josh Dean lived in Wichita, Canada, where Spirit is based, was 45 years old, enjoyed good health and was known among friends for his healthy lifestyle.
Infection, stroke, threat of amputation
Now he died unexpectedly from a rapidly spreading infection. He had previously been sedated and connected to dialysis and had suffered a stroke. Finally, the doctors considered amputating his hands and feet to stop the infection. But Josh died.
"Devastating news"
Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino announced: "Our thoughts are with Josh Dean's family. This sudden loss is devastating news for us and for his loved ones".
Dean had filed an affidavit and complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration as part of a lawsuit filed by Spirit shareholders, accusing Spirit of "serious and gross misconduct by senior quality management of the 737 production line".
Spirit fired Dean in April 2023, who filed a complaint with the Department of Labor claiming his termination was retaliatory, according to the Seattle Times.
Problems swept under the carpet
In October 2022, Dean discovered a serious manufacturing defect: mechanics had improperly drilled holes in the rear pressure bulkhead of the MAX. When he raised the issue with management, nothing was done. Dean was dismissed a short time later.
Complaint filed
Dean filed an aviation whistleblower complaint with the Department of Labor alleging wrongful termination and "gross misconduct by high-level Spirit AeroSystems quality managers".
After a panel was blown off a Boeing 737 MAX in January, one of Dean's former Spirit colleagues confirmed some of Dean's allegations.
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