A former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems has died at the age of 45 after being critically ill for two weeks.
Joshua Dean passed away after struggling with a sudden, fast-spreading infection, US media report.
In October of 2022, Dean had found serious manufacturing defects in the pressure bulkhead of the MAX airplane. When flagging the issue with management, he said nothing was done.
Dean was known to have a very healthy lifestyle, and was hospitalised after experiencing breathing issues. A medical report seen by local media said that he had suffered from a stroke and was subsequently put on life support machines.
This is the second death of a Boeing whistleblower: In March, long-time employee of Boeing, John Barnett, known for raising concerns about production standards and safety practices within the company, was found dead in an apparent suicide. He had been involved in an ongoing lawsuit with Boeing.
Another whistleblower and former employee stepped forward in April, raising concerns about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, saying it could eventually break apart mid-air due to improper manufacturing.
