Andrew Haden, a former twice-acting United States Attorney who dedicated 16 years to federal prosecution, was found dead Wednesday inside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego. He was 48 years old.
Haden, who headed the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California on two separate occasions, was discovered in the building that houses the prosecutor’s office. He had been reported missing prior to being found. San Diego Police Department investigators responded to the scene and have determined that no foul play is suspected in his death.
“This is one of the darkest days in our office’s history, but there was nothing dark about Andrew Haden’s life,” said Adam Gordon, the current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California. “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.”
A California native and Navy veteran with two overseas deployments, Haden first joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2010. He rose through the ranks during his tenure, earning the trust and respect of colleagues who selected him to fill leadership vacancies in both 2023 and 2025. Most recently, he assumed the role of acting U.S. Attorney after President Donald Trump’s administration dismissed Tara McGrath, a Biden appointee.
Those who worked alongside Haden remember him as a dedicated public servant who placed the welfare of his team above all else. Scott C. Carr, executive director of the San Diego County Bar Association, expressed his devastation upon learning of Haden’s passing. Carr recalled a conversation during the recent government shutdown in which Haden discussed the impact on his employees and his efforts to support them through the difficulties.
“Andrew was always friendly with a kind word to say, which makes news of his passing all the more difficult,” Carr stated. “My thoughts are with his family and his colleagues at the Southern District of California. Our legal community lost a good one.”
Haden’s educational background included a law degree from the University of San Diego. His military service and subsequent career in federal prosecution demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving his country and community.
The loss of a public servant in his professional prime represents a significant blow to the federal legal community in Southern California. Haden’s colleagues now face the task of continuing the work he championed while mourning the loss of a respected leader and friend.
The circumstances surrounding Haden’s death remain under investigation, though authorities have emphasized their preliminary findings indicate no criminal activity. The legal community in San Diego continues to process this unexpected loss of one of its most dedicated members.
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