We have some truly tragic news to report out of California, where a longtime federal prosecutor who twice served as acting U.S. attorney has passed away.
Andrew Haden, 48, was found dead last week inside a vacant office at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego. Haden had reportedly been reported missing earlier that evening. Times of San Diego has additional details:
Police confirmed in a statement that officers went to an office at 880 Front St. in downtown San Diego. That address houses the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“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,” police spokesperson Ashley Nicholes said.
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As further reported by the Los Angeles Times, “[e]vidence at the scene suggests Haden died by hanging himself.”
Haden spent 16 years with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, serving as acting U.S. attorney during leadership transitions in 2023 and 2025. Over the course of his career, he also served as chief of the office’s Violent Crimes and Human Trafficking Section.
“This is one of the darkest days in our office’s history, but there was nothing dark about Andrew Haden’s life,” U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said in a statement. “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 San Diego native, Haden graduated from Stanford University before spending five years in the U.S. Navy, where he completed two overseas deployments. He later earned his law degree from the University of San Diego, where he also served as an adjunct professor.
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According to the Daily Voice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office closed Thursday and Friday to give his colleagues time to grieve.
Haden is survived by his wife and two school-aged children.
We here at Above the Law extend our deepest condolences to Andrew Haden’s family, friends, and colleagues during this extraordinarily difficult time.
If you or someone you know is depressed and in need help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or a lawyer assistance program in your state (don’t be fooled by the name; these programs also provide services to law students). Remember that you are loved, so please reach out if you need assistance.
Former acting U.S. attorney for Southern District found dead inside federal building [Times of San Diego]
Former acting U.S. attorney found dead inside federal building in San Diego [Los Angeles Times]
US Attorney Andrew Haden Found Dead In Federal Building [Daily Voice]
Staci Zaretsky is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.