Second Boeing whistleblower dies after raising concerns about 737 MAX

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A second Boeing whistleblower has died after a sudden illness, according to several media reports.

Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, went public with claims that the company’s leadership ignored manufacturing defects in Boeing’s 737 MAX. Spirit AeroSystems is a Boeing supplier, The Seattle Times reports.

Dean, 45, had an active lifestyle and was believed to be in good health prior to his “sudden” death on Tuesday, following the onset of a sudden, fast-moving infection. He was stricken with Influenza B and MRSA, and developed pneumonia, according to Fox59.

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He spent two weeks in critical condition before he died on Tuesday.

“Our thoughts are with Josh Dean’s family. This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones,” Spirit spokesperson Joe Buccino said.

In March, a former Boeing employee known for voicing concerns about the company’s production standards was found dead in the United States.

John Barnett had worked for the U.S. aircraft manufacturer for 32 years, until his retirement in 2017.

In the days prior to his death, he had been testifying in a lawsuit against the company after reporting irregularities.