Former quality auditor Joshua Dean, who raised concerns about improperly drilled holes in the fuselage of 737 Max jets while working at a major Boeing supplier, has passed away at the age of 45.
Dean's family announced his death on social media, revealing that he had succumbed to a MRSA bacterial infection after rapidly deteriorating in health. Despite efforts by medical teams, Dean could not be saved, as reported by The Seattle Times.
"He passed away yesterday morning, and his absence will be deeply felt. We will always love you Josh," said Dean's aunt, Carol Dean Parsons, via Facebook.
Dean, who was instrumental in highlighting quality issues during the manufacturing of 737 Max jets at Spirit Aero Systems, now faces closer scrutiny by federal investigators alongside Boeing. His passing marks another loss in the aviation community, following the death of another Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett, just three months earlier.
Represented by lawyer Brian Knowles, Dean was known for his courage in standing up for safety and quality concerns within the aviation industry. His sudden illness and subsequent demise shocked his family, who described him as a meticulous and health-conscious individual.
Dean's career trajectory mirrored his family's legacy in the aviation sector, with his tenure at Spirit AeroSystems marked by a dedication to quality auditing. Despite facing challenges and eventual termination, he remained steadfast in his commitment to raising awareness about flaws in the manufacturing process.
Dean's testimony in a shareholder lawsuit against Spirit shed light on critical defects, including mis-drilled holes in 737 Max fuselages, which had been concealed from investors and Boeing according to allegations in the lawsuit.
As Boeing and Spirit grapple with the fallout from these revelations, discussions about improving manufacturing quality and potentially restructuring the supply chain are underway. Boeing's recent agreement to provide financial assistance to Spirit underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure the safety and integrity of aircraft production.
During interviews with NPR, Joshua Dean expressed concerns about the challenge of replacing the skilled workforce that Spirit had lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The mechanics and inspectors aren't as seasoned. We've lost that," Dean remarked.
Despite highlighting issues with Spirit's quality control publicly, Dean remained hopeful about the future. He believed that CEO Patrick Shanahan, who assumed leadership in late 2023, had a unique opportunity to reshape Spirit's culture positively.
"What's needed is someone who can step in as a hero," Dean stated, suggesting that Shanahan could embody "the new sheriff in town."
Dean emphasized the importance of preventing retaliation or intimidation within the company.
"We must ensure there's no fear of speaking out. The culture of silencing those who raise concerns must end," Dean emphasized.
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