2 Boeing Whistleblowers Dead in 2 Months

In a troubling turn of events, two whistleblowers who voiced concern about the safety of Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft have died within two months of each other. Both men raised significant concerns about Boeing aircraft's safety and manufacturing practices in recent years. Join us as we explore the lives and contributions of Boeing whistleblowers Joshua Dean and John Barnett, highlighting their courageous efforts and the unsettling circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Joshua Dean: A Voice for Safety

Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, a major supplier for Boeing, passed away on April 30th, 2024, after a sudden illness. At 45, Dean had been an outspoken critic of the Boeing 737 MAX manufacturing defects. His death followed a brief but severe illness, which began with respiratory difficulties, leading to pneumonia and a bacterial infection. Despite medical intervention, Dean's condition deteriorated, and he died after two weeks of hospitalization.

Dean's career at Spirit AeroSystems began in 2019, but he faced layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic, only to be rehired in 2021. In October 2022, Dean raised alarms about potential defects in the 737 MAX, which were dismissed by Spirit's senior management. His insistence on addressing these issues cost him his job in April 2023. Subsequently, Dean filed complaints with the Department of Labor and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), accusing Spirit of retaliatory firing and gross misconduct.

John Barnett: The First to Fall

On March 9, 2024, less than two months before Dean's death, John Barnett, another Boeing whistleblower, was found dead in Charleston, South Carolina. Barnett, a veteran Boeing employee with nearly three decades of service, was known for his integrity and dedication to safety. He had been in Charleston to give a deposition for a lawsuit related to his whistleblowing activities.

Barnett's death was ruled a suicide by the Charleston County Coroner's Office, a conclusion that shocked those who knew him. His lawyers, Brian Knowles and Robert Turkewitz, described Barnett as being in good spirits and looking forward to resolving his legal battles. Barnett had previously disclosed severe safety issues, including metal slivers near flight control wiring, which he believed posed catastrophic risks if left unaddressed.

The Broader Implications

The deaths of Dean and Barnett highlight a troubling pattern within the aviation industry, particularly concerning the culture at Boeing and its suppliers. Their passing has reignited discussions about safety standards and the treatment of employees who raise safety concerns.

In 2018 and 2019, two fatal crashes involving the 737 MAX resulted in the deaths of 346 people. These incidents brought Boeing's safety practices under intense scrutiny, leading to investigations and a temporary grounding of the 737 MAX fleet. Despite these measures, whistleblowers like Dean and Barnett have continued to report ongoing safety issues.

A Call for Change

Lawyers representing Dean and Barnett emphasized the need for aviation companies to support and protect employees who speak out about safety concerns. "Aviation companies should encourage and incentivize those that do raise these concerns," said Dean's lawyers, as reported by People. "Otherwise, safety and quality are truly not these companies' top priorities."

The aviation community and the families of these whistleblowers are left grappling with their loss. Regardless of the causes, Dean and Barnett's deaths brought a somber reminder of the personal risks involved in whistleblowing. Their courage to stand up against powerful corporate entities highlights the need for robust protections for those who advocate for safety and transparency in industries where the stakes are life and death.

Moving Forward

As investigations continue into the practices at Boeing and its suppliers, regulatory bodies must ensure that the voices of whistleblowers are not silenced. Hopefully, the tragic deaths of Joshua Dean and John Barnett will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting stricter enforcement of safety standards and better protections for those who risk their careers to raise concerns. Only through these measures can the aviation industry hope to rebuild trust and ensure the safety of its passengers and employees.

References: Boeing-Linked Whistleblower Dead, the Second in 2 Months: 'He Possessed Tremendous Courage,' Lawyers Say | Second Boeing whistleblower dies after short illness