The second suspicious death linked to the Boeing scandal

The second suspicious death within months linked to allegations of a plane malfunction scandal Boeing.

Mechanical engineer Joshua Dean, former quality control inspector at Spirit AeroSystem, an aircraft parts supplier Boeing 737 MaxHe died last Tuesday, April 30, after a two-week battle with a strange and sudden infection. But the news came out a few hours ago.

Dean, 45, was among the first whistleblowers to accuse Spirit management of ignoring manufacturing defects in the 737 MAX.

As the Seattle Times wrote, the 45-year-old worked for a long time at Spirit AeroSystems, one of Boeing's aircraft suppliers, and was one of the first whistleblowers to claim that his company's management turned a blind eye to manufacturing defects in the Boeing 737. Top. His death came as a surprise, as the former technician was in good health and was “known for his healthy lifestyle,” according to what those around him said.

Dean lives in Wichita, Kansas, and was taken to a hospital in Oklahoma two weeks ago due to breathing problems, his aunt, Carol Parsons, told the Seattle Times. He was then intubated, developed pneumonia and then a severe bacterial infection. Since then, his health has deteriorated dramatically, his aunt told the Seattle Time. “She was intubated for pneumonia, and then a serious bacterial infection, MRSA, before she died.”

Construction problems have been reported

Over the past few years, Dean has raised concerns about problems with some 737 MAX planes at Spirit's factory in Wichita in October 2022. However, according to several accounts, “management has asked or pressured its employees to downplay any defects they discover,” she wrote. Time magazine. magazine.

Dean was fired in April 2023 by Spirit. He then filed a complaint with the Department of Labor, alleging that the dismissal was retaliation by his company for disclosing the plane's problems to the FAA and the fact that Spirit AeroSystems had tried to hide from the public. . authorities.

According to Dean's testimony, engineers accidentally punched holes in the 737 MAX's rear pressure bulkhead. When I reported the problem to management, the company did nothing. Focusing on the problems, he then reported that during the same inspection he noticed a separate manufacturing defect in the components connecting the vertical tail fin to the fuselage. When the case came to light in April 2023, it shut down production and delayed deliveries at Boeing's Renton, Seattle, plant. Dean was fired.

“Our thoughts are with Josh Dean’s family. This sudden loss is incredible news for us and his loved ones,” Spirit AeroSystems, which faces financial difficulties and an uncertain future, said in a statement.

An annoying coincidence

This case disturbed America because it is the second suspicious death in a few weeks involving Boeing, after the suicide of John “Mitch” Barnett, who also filed complaints against the plane manufacturer.

Barnett reportedly committed suicide during the days he was testifying against Boeing regarding quality defects found on Boeing's 787 production lines at its plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The Charleston County Medical Examiner's Office said Barnett's death appeared to be a “gunshot wound.” However, almost two months later, the police investigation into his death is still ongoing.

Brian Knowles, one of Dean's attorneys, said he did not want to speculate on the time or circumstances of death. “The complaints are valuable because they highlight wrongdoing and corruption in companies. It takes a lot of courage to stand up against these giants,” Knowles said. “Our thoughts now are with John’s family and Josh’s family.”