How Boeing Whistleblower Dies?
Joshua Dean, an aviation worker who exposed safety issues within the aerospace industry and faced alleged retaliation from his employer, died on Tuesday after a brief illness, as reported by his legal representatives.
Dean, aged 45 from Wichita, Kansas, had publicly voiced his concerns regarding the production flaws in Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft at Spirit AeroSystems, where he worked as a quality auditor.
Another Boeing whistleblower dies after raising safety concerns https://t.co/QHucOvQXCE
— TheStreet (@TheStreet) May 2, 2024
Source: Twitter/TheStreet
The Health Battle Leading to Tragic End
Dean’s health declined rapidly after being diagnosed with the flu, pneumonia, and MRSA, prompting his family to request an autopsy. "He was a healthy individual who ate well and exercised.
So it just seems odd that he went so fast," Robert Turkewitz, Dean’s lawyer, told NBC News. After only two weeks of illness, Dean's condition necessitated the use of a ventilator, illustrating a sudden and severe health decline.
Courage and Consequences: The Boeing Whistleblower’s Fight
Joshua Dean had filed “formal written findings to his manager” about critical production issues at Spirit AeroSystems, specifically mis-drilled holes in the rear bulkhead of the Boeing 737 MAX planes.
Despite these warnings, the defect was allegedly concealed by the company. "You will receive the Josh treatment if you cause too much trouble. You'll discover what befell me," Dean commented on the repercussions of his whistleblowing actions.
Spirit AeroSystems and Legal Battles
Despite Spirit AeroSystems' expression of condolences over Dean’s death, they have not addressed his specific allegations.
The supplier has stated they are contesting the lawsuit in court and vehemently disagree with the claims made against them.
Dean is named in a 2023 shareholder action against Spirit, although he was not a plaintiff himself. His termination from the company in April 2023 was claimed by him as a reprisal for his outspokenness.
Reflections on the Impact of Stress on Health
Turkewitz suggests that the stress Dean experienced due to his whistleblowing activities may have played a role in his weakened immune system, making him more susceptible to severe infections.
"He had been under a great deal of stress since he had reported irregularities and thought that this had led to his termination. He had been attempting to spread the information, but nobody was paying attention," Turkewitz explained.
Joshua Dean’s death marks a significant and tragic event in the ongoing discourse surrounding safety and ethics in the aerospace industry.
His courageous stand against perceived injustices not only highlights the personal risks whistleblowers face but also underscores the critical importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in aviation manufacturing.
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