Andrew Haden, a former acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California, was found deceased Wednesday in the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego. He was 48 years old.

The San Diego Police Department responded to the scene and confirmed Haden's death. He had been reported missing prior to being found. "Out of an abundance of caution, SDPD investigators responded to the scene, and no foul play is suspected," a department spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

Haden first joined the U.S. attorney's office in 2010 and had worked in the San Diego office for 16 years. He served twice as acting U.S. attorney, filling vacancies in 2023 and 2025. He assumed leadership of the office following the dismissal of U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath, a Biden appointee, and subsequent selection by former President Donald Trump.

Adam Gordon, the current acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, issued a statement mourning Haden's death. "This is one of the darkest days in our office’s history, but there was nothing dark about Andrew Haden’s life," Gordon said. "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."

Scott C. Carr, executive director of the San Diego County Bar Association, described himself as "devastated" by the news. He recalled Haden's concern for his staff during a government shutdown and his efforts to support them. "Andrew was always friendly with a kind word to say, which makes news of his passing all the more difficult," Carr stated. "Our legal community lost a good one."

Defense attorney Jeremy Warren, who had previously faced Haden in court, called his death "a huge blow to the entire federal community in San Diego." Warren added that he and Haden remained friends, which he considered "a testament to the type of guy he was."

Haden was a Navy veteran who completed two overseas deployments and held a law degree from the University of San Diego.