Boeing Whistleblower Found Dead
Barnett Raised Safety Concerns
Prompted Investigations
May 2, 2024 6:30 AM EDT
Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at a key Boeing supplier who alleged he was fired for raising safety concerns, was found dead in his truck in the parking lot of Spirit AeroSystems in Kansas on Monday.
Dean, 39, had flagged safety concerns and alleged misconduct by the aircraft manufacturer in recent months, prompting investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
In a statement, Spirit AeroSystems expressed "deep sadness" over Dean's death and said it was cooperating with authorities.
The Charleston County Coroner's Office told TIME that Barnett died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot.
Dean's allegations had raised questions about the safety of Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft, which has been grounded since two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. The FAA is currently reviewing Boeing's proposed fixes to the plane, and the NTSB is investigating the design and certification process of the aircraft.
Dean's death casts a shadow over the ongoing investigations and raises questions about the treatment of whistleblowers in the aviation industry. His allegations had prompted public outcry and calls for greater transparency and accountability from Boeing and its suppliers.
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