SAN DIEGO – Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden, 48, was found dead Wednesday night inside the San Diego federal building where he worked, just hours after he was reported missing. The discovery was made at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building.
San Diego police stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play, but the official cause and manner of Haden's death are pending determination by the Medical Examiner's office. Police were alerted to a missing person report late Wednesday evening and traced Haden to an office at 880 Front Street, according to department spokesperson Ashley Nicholes.
Haden, a Navy veteran and father of two, had worked for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California since 2010. Colleagues described him as a respected prosecutor and a significant figure within the legal community, spending more than 15 years on federal cases.
US Attorney Adam Gordon informed staff of Haden's death on Thursday, calling it "one of the darkest days in our office's history." Gordon praised Haden as "a beacon of light - full of laughter, friendship, integrity and unwavering commitment to serving our community."
During his tenure, Haden held several leadership roles, including serving twice as acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California during transitional periods. He also previously headed the Violent Crimes & Human Trafficking Section and the Criminal Division. He was recognized with the Director's Award for Superior Performance in a Managerial or Supervisory Role in 2020 and the Peter J. Mazza Outstanding Federal Lawyer Award in 2024 from the San Diego chapter of the Federal Bar Association.
Southern District of California Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant remembered Haden as "well loved and well respected," stating his death was "a loss for everyone." Defense attorney Jeremy Warren, who often faced Haden in court, noted their ability to remain friends as a testament to Haden's character, calling his death "a huge blow to the entire federal community in San Diego."
Scott C. Carr, executive director of the San Diego County Bar Association, recalled Haden's concern for his employees during a recent government shutdown. "Andrew was always friendly with a kind word to say, which makes news of his passing all the more difficult," Carr said.
The circumstances surrounding why Haden was initially reported missing and the duration of his unaccounted-for time have not been publicly disclosed. Haden is survived by his wife and two children.