Boeing Whistleblower Dean Loftis Dies Amidst Lawsuit

Second Boeing-Related Whistleblower Death in Three Months

By Li Jay Blackman and Polly DeFrank

May 2, 2024 144 PM PDT

Renton, Wash. - In a disturbing development, Dean Loftis, an aviation worker who raised concerns about quality lapses at Boeing, has died. Loftis's death comes amidst a lawsuit he filed against Boeing, alleging retaliation for his whistleblowing. This tragedy marks the second Boeing-related whistleblower death in the past three months.

According to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, Loftis was found dead from a gunshot wound in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 2024. He was 60 years old. Loftis had been giving depositions in his lawsuit against Boeing at the time of his death.

In March 2024, John Barnett, another Boeing-related whistleblower, died in Charleston from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Barnett had also raised concerns about quality issues at the aircraft manufacturer.

Loftis's allegations, filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, claimed that he was subjected to retaliation by Boeing after he reported safety concerns. He alleged that he was demoted, given negative performance reviews, and assigned to less desirable work.

Boeing has denied Loftis's allegations. In a statement, the company expressed condolences for Loftis's family and said it is cooperating with authorities.

The deaths of Loftis and Barnett have raised concerns about the safety of whistleblowers within the aviation industry. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding both deaths.