A second Boeing whistleblower who raised concerns about a supplier who had been ignoring production defects has died suddenly at age 44 on Tuesday.

Joshua Dean, a quality auditor at supplier Spirit AeroSystems, previously claimed he was booted in April 2023 from the company after raising questions about the firm’s manufacturing plant in Wichita, Kan.

Dean’s death was confirmed by his heartbroken family in a statement to The Seattle Times.

“I am grateful for the prayers of my family and friends for this young man,” his aunt, Carol Parsons, wrote on Facebook. “He passed away yesterday morning, and his absence will be deeply felt. We will always love you Josh.”

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