Andrew Haden, a veteran federal prosecutor who twice served as acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, was found dead inside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in San Diego on Wednesday. Haden, 48, was reported missing prior to his discovery within an office at the federal facility, prompting an investigation that has, thus far, ruled out foul play.
"He was a beacon of light — full of laughter, friendship, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community. We will honor his life and legacy by carrying his light forward, today and always." — Adam Gordon, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California
The San Diego Police Department confirmed that investigators responded to the scene, but their initial assessment found no indications of suspicious circumstances. A department spokesperson stated, "Out of an abundance of caution, SDPD investigators responded to the scene, and no foul play is suspected. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner." As of reporting, the Medical Examiner’s office has not publicly released its findings regarding Haden’s death.
Haden's sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the federal legal community in San Diego, where he had dedicated years to public service. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s office in 2010 and demonstrated a profound commitment to his work, rising to hold the top position of acting U.S. Attorney during two separate leadership transitions. He served in this interim capacity for approximately two months during transitions in both 2023 and 2025, a testament to his experience and the trust placed in him by his colleagues.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon issued an emotional statement following Haden’s death, describing Thursday as "one of the darkest days in our office’s history." Gordon paid tribute to Haden’s character and professional legacy, telling the San Diego Union-Tribune, "He was a beacon of light — full of laughter, friendship, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community. We will honor his life and legacy by carrying his light forward, today and always." Gordon respectfully declined to provide further details regarding the circumstances of Haden’s death, citing respect for Haden’s wife and children.
Those who knew and worked with Haden, both as colleagues and adversaries, remembered him as a highly respected figure within the legal community. Southern District of California Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant characterized his death as a "loss for everyone," underscoring that Haden was "well loved and well respected." Defense attorney Jeremy Warren, who frequently faced Haden in court, spoke to the prosecutor's integrity and amiable nature. Despite their professional battles, Warren noted, "The fact that we remained friends throughout is a testament to the type of guy he was." Warren concluded by describing Haden’s death as "a huge blow to the entire federal community in San Diego."
Andrew Haden was a native of San Diego, having attended University City High School before pursuing higher education at Stanford University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. His commitment to service extended beyond the legal field; he honorably served five years in the U.S. Navy, completing two overseas deployments. Following his military service, Haden returned to San Diego to attend law school at the University of San Diego. His legal career began with a clerkship for U.S. District Judge Thomas J. Whelan in the Southern District of California before he embarked on his distinguished career as a federal prosecutor.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the specific circumstances surrounding Haden’s death. The San Diego Police Department maintains that no foul play is suspected, and the community awaits the official determination from the medical examiner’s investigation into the cause and manner of death.
