Boeing Whistleblower Dies Suddenly, Two Months After Another

Deans' Death Raises Concerns About Safety and Retaliation

By Time Staff | May 2, 2024

A Boeing whistleblower who raised concerns about one of the carriers suppliers ignoring production defects died suddenly on Tuesday. Dean's death comes weeks after another Boeing whistleblower John Barnett a former quality manager for the company died. Deans death comes less than two months after the death of Barnett another whistleblower who had spent years warning about lax safety.

An aviation worker who went public with safety concerns and alleged retaliation by his employer. The Charleston County Coroners Office told TIME that Barnett died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound and that the death is still under investigation.

Deans' death has raised concerns about the safety of Boeing's aircraft and the treatment of whistleblowers within the company. In a statement, Boeing said that it was "deeply saddened" by Deans' death and that it was "committed to the safety of our products and services." The company also said that it would be conducting a thorough investigation into Deans' death.