We bring you somber news from California, where a respected federal prosecutor and two-time acting U.S. attorney, Andrew Haden, was found deceased under tragic circumstances. Last week, Haden's life came to a sudden end inside a vacant office at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego. The 48-year-old had been reported missing earlier that evening.

San Diego Police Department confirmed that officers were dispatched to 880 Front St., the address of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, following a missing person report. "Out of an abundance of caution, SDPD investigators responded to the scene, and no foul play is suspected," said police spokesperson Ashley Nicholes. The Medical Examiner is set to determine the official cause of death, though initial evidence from the Los Angeles Times suggests that Haden may have died by suicide.

Andrew Haden dedicated 16 years to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, assuming the role of acting U.S. attorney during leadership transitions in 2023 and 2025. He was also the chief of the office’s Violent Crimes and Human Trafficking Section. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon expressed profound grief over the loss, stating, "This is one of the darkest days in our office’s history, but there was nothing dark about Andrew Haden’s life. He was a beacon of light — full of laughter, friendship, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community."

A San Diego native, Haden was a Stanford University graduate who served five years in the U.S. Navy, including two overseas deployments. He later earned his law degree from the University of San Diego and taught as an adjunct professor there. In response to his passing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office closed for two days to allow colleagues to grieve.

Haden is survived by his wife and two school-aged children. The community and legal profession are mourning the loss of a man who dedicated his life to justice and public service.

In light of this tragedy, we urge anyone dealing with depression or thoughts of self-harm to seek help. Resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and local lawyer assistance programs are available. Remember, support is just a call away, and you are not alone in this.

For more details on Andrew Haden’s career and contributions, visit [Times of San Diego](https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2026/08/20/u-s-attorney-southern-district-dead-san-diego/) and [Los Angeles Times](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-08-20/former-acting-u-s-attorney-found-dead-inside-federal-building-in-san-diego).