A respected federal prosecutor who twice led the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Southern California was found dead inside a San Diego federal building on Wednesday, just hours after colleagues reported him missing. Andrew Haden, 48, served as Acting U.S. Attorney during two critical transition periods and built a 16-year career prosecuting federal cases.

Discovery at Federal Building

San Diego police discovered Haden’s body inside an office at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities reported him missing earlier that same day. Police investigators responded to the scene and determined no foul play was suspected in his death. The San Diego County Medical Examiner will conduct an official investigation to determine the cause and manner of death, according to police spokespersons.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden Found Dead in Calif. Office After Being Reported Missing https://t.co/hxlFRk7EDs

— People (@people) August 21, 2026

Haden joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2010 and served roughly two months as Acting U.S. Attorney during leadership transitions in both 2023 and 2025. Current U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath Gordon held an emergency staff meeting Thursday morning and sent an email informing employees of Haden’s death. She withheld specific details out of respect for Haden’s wife and children, according to local reports.

Legal Community Mourns Loss

Scott C. Carr, executive director of the San Diego County Bar Association, said the local legal community was devastated by the sudden loss. Carr remembered Haden as a supportive supervisor and friendly colleague who consistently offered kind words to those around him. Defense attorney Jeremy Warren, who frequently faced Haden in court proceedings, told reporters that maintaining their friendship throughout adversarial cases demonstrated Haden’s exceptional character and professionalism.

Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant of the Southern District of California called the news a loss for everyone in the federal legal community. She described Haden as well-loved and well-respected among judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys alike. Current U.S. Attorney Gordon characterized the day as one of the darkest in the office’s history, reflecting the profound impact Haden had on colleagues throughout his tenure.

Distinguished Career of Service

Haden grew up in San Diego and graduated from University City High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University. He served five years in the Navy with two overseas deployments before attending the University of San Diego School of Law. Following law school, Haden clerked for U.S. District Judge Thomas J. Whelan in the Southern District of California, launching a career dedicated to federal prosecution and public service that spanned more than a decade and a half.