Who was Andrew Haden? Former San Diego U.S. Attorney found dead at Federal Building as cause of death remains unknown
Former U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. (U.S. Attorney’s Office)
Andrew R. Haden, a former acting U.S. attorney and longtime federal prosecutor in San Diego, was found dead inside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego, authorities confirmed. Haden was 48.
San Diego police said officers responded Wednesday night to a report involving a potentially missing man. Officers later located Haden inside an office in the federal building.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. Police said there were no immediate indications of foul play, while the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to determine the official cause and manner of death.
No further details about the circumstances of Haden’s death were immediately released.
What Happened to Andrew Haden?
According to the San Diego Police Department information cited by NBC 7 San Diego, authorities received a call Wednesday night concerning a man who was potentially missing. Officers went to the federal building and subsequently found Haden inside an office.
The location of the discovery has drawn attention because Haden had spent much of his professional career working in the federal courthouse and U.S. Attorney’s Office environment.
Authorities have not publicly announced a cause of death. That distinction is important as online searches increasingly focus on Andrew Haden’s cause of death.
At this stage, there is no confirmed public evidence establishing what caused Haden’s death. The medical examiner’s investigation is expected to provide the official determination.
Was Foul Play Suspected in Andrew Haden’s Death?
San Diego police said no foul play was suspected in connection with Haden’s death.
That does not establish the cause of death, and authorities have not described the death as accidental, natural or otherwise. The medical examiner’s office will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Until that determination is released, claims circulating online about the circumstances of Haden’s death should be treated cautiously.
Andrew Haden’s Career as a Federal Prosecutor
Haden had been a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California since 2010. During his career, he also served twice as acting U.S. attorney during periods of transition within the office.
He led the office for approximately two months in 2023 and again for about two months in 2025.
The acting U.S. attorney position places a prosecutor in a senior leadership role overseeing the work of the federal prosecutor’s office. Haden’s time in that position came during periods when the office was transitioning between permanent leadership.
His death has prompted tributes from colleagues who described him as a respected member of the federal law enforcement community.
Andrew Haden Was a Navy Veteran
Before becoming a federal prosecutor, Haden served in the U.S. Navy for five years.
His educational background included a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University. He later attended 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 before beginning his career as a federal prosecutor.
His professional journey combined military service, legal training and more than a decade of federal prosecution work.
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U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon Pays Tribute to Andrew Haden
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon paid tribute to Haden following news of his death, describing the day as one of the darkest in the office’s history.
Gordon highlighted Haden’s personality and professional character, remembering him as someone known for laughter, friendship and integrity, as well as a strong commitment to serving the San Diego community.
The tribute reflected Haden’s long association with the Southern District of California and his role in the federal prosecutor’s office.
Who Was Andrew Haden?
Andrew R. Haden was a San Diego-based federal prosecutor who served with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California for approximately 16 years.
He was a Navy veteran, Stanford graduate and University of San Diego law graduate. His federal career included periods as acting U.S. attorney, making him one of the senior prosecutors associated with the Southern District of California.
Haden’s career was largely centered on federal law enforcement and the administration of justice in Southern California.
What Is Known About Andrew Haden’s Cause of Death?
Andrew Haden’s official cause of death has not been publicly released.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for determining the official cause and manner of death. Police have said there were no immediate signs of foul play.
That means it would be premature to identify a specific cause until the medical examiner releases its findings.
Searches for phrases such as “Andrew Haden cause of death,” “how did Andrew Haden die?” and “what happened to Andrew Haden?” are likely to increase following reports of his death, but the available reporting does not provide a confirmed answer.
Where Was Andrew Haden Found?
Haden was found inside an office at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego.
The building is a major federal facility in the city and is associated with the federal court system and other federal agencies.
Police were called to the building after receiving a report concerning a potentially missing man. Officers later located Haden inside the facility.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of Haden’s death. Police have not indicated that they suspect foul play.
Additional information could become available once the medical examiner completes its investigation and authorities release further details.
For now, the confirmed facts are that Haden was found dead at the federal building, he was 48, police do not suspect foul play, and the official cause of death remains pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Andrew Haden?
Andrew R. Haden was a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. He joined the office in 2010 and served twice as acting U.S. attorney during leadership transitions.
Is Andrew Haden dead?
Yes. San Diego police confirmed that Andrew Haden, 48, was found dead inside an office at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego.
What happened to Andrew Haden?
Police said they received a report Wednesday night about a potentially missing man and later found Haden inside the federal building. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of his death.
What was Andrew Haden’s cause of death?
Andrew Haden’s cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to determine the official cause and manner of death.
How did Andrew Haden die?
The available reporting does not establish how Andrew Haden died. Police said there were no immediate indications of foul play, while the medical examiner’s investigation remains pending.
Was Andrew Haden murdered?
There is no indication in the available reporting that Haden was murdered. San Diego police said no foul play was suspected.
Where was Andrew Haden found dead?
Haden was found inside an office at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego.
How old was Andrew Haden?
Andrew Haden was 48 years old when he died.
Was Andrew Haden a U.S. attorney?
Haden served as an acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California twice, during leadership transitions in 2023 and 2025. He was also a longtime federal prosecutor in the office.
When did Andrew Haden serve as acting U.S. attorney?
Haden served as acting U.S. attorney for approximately two months in 2023 and another approximately two-month period in 2025.
Was Andrew Haden a Navy veteran?
Yes. Haden served for five years in the U.S. Navy before pursuing his legal career.
Where did Andrew Haden go to college?
Haden earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University and later attended the University of San Diego School of Law.
How long did Andrew Haden work as a federal prosecutor?
Haden worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California from 2010 until his death in 2026, giving him roughly 16 years of service.
Who will determine Andrew Haden’s cause of death?
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Did police suspect foul play in Andrew Haden’s death?
No. According to San Diego police, no foul play was suspected when Haden was found.
What did the U.S. attorney say about Andrew Haden?
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon described Haden as a person known for laughter, friendship, integrity and a strong commitment to serving the community. Gordon called his death one of the darkest days in the office’s history.
What is known about Andrew Haden’s family?
The reports provided do not give detailed information about Haden’s family. Additional verified information may be released by authorities or his relatives.
When will Andrew Haden’s cause of death be released?
There is no confirmed date for the release of the medical examiner’s findings. The official cause and manner of death will depend on the completion of the examination and any related investigation.
Is there an official Andrew Haden obituary?
The available report does not identify a formal family obituary. Tributes from colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office have been reported following his death.
Why is Andrew Haden’s death attracting attention?
Haden’s death has attracted attention because he was a former acting U.S. attorney, longtime federal prosecutor and Navy veteran, and because he was found dead inside a federal building in downtown San Diego. His cause of death has not yet been publicly established.
What should people know about rumors surrounding Andrew Haden’s death?
People should distinguish confirmed information from speculation. Authorities have confirmed Haden’s death and said there were no immediate indications of foul play, but the official cause and manner of death remain pending. Unverified claims about how he died should not be treated as established facts.