Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett Found Dead Amid Depositions Against The Plane Company

Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett Found Dead Amid Depositions Against Plane Company

Boeing whistleblower John Barnett found dead amid depositions against the plane company.

WICHITA, Kan. — Joshua Dean, an aviation worker who went public with safety concerns and alleged retaliation by his employer, has died following a brief illness weeks after he began giving depositions against Boeing. Dean's death was confirmed by his attorney, who said Dean died surrounded by family and friends on May 1.

Details about Dean's illness and cause of death have not been released.

Dean was a former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, which builds parts for Boeing's 737 Max aircraft. In 2019, Dean raised concerns about the safety of the 737 Max's electrical system. He alleged that Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems had failed to properly inspect and test the system, which he believed could lead to a catastrophic failure.

Dean's concerns were echoed by other whistleblowers, and they eventually led to a U.S. congressional investigation. Boeing has denied any wrongdoing, but it has agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. Justice Department to resolve a criminal investigation into the 737 Max crashes.

Dean's death has raised questions about the safety of Boeing's aircraft and the treatment of whistleblowers. His family has said that they believe his death was suspicious and that they are considering an independent investigation.