Andrew Haden, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, was found dead late Wednesday inside a vacant office at the downtown San Diego federal building. He was 48 and had been reported missing earlier in the day.
Authorities said Thursday that San Diego police do not suspect foul play and that the Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death. The building houses the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where Haden had worked for 16 years.
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Haden twice served as acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California during transitions between full-time leaders. His death was disclosed Thursday by San Diego U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, who held an all-hands meeting with staff and later emailed them about the loss.
Gordon wrote that Haden was reported missing yesterday and was later found deceased. In a statement, he said, “This is one of the darkest days in our office’s history, but there was nothing dark about Andrew Haden’s life.” He added, “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.”
San Diego Police Department
The San Diego Police Department said it was investigating a death at the downtown building that houses the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Police said a man who was potentially missing was discovered deceased by law enforcement in an office at 880 Front in Downtown San Diego.
A person familiar with the situation said it is suspected Haden took his own life, while police said no foul play is suspected. The county Medical Examiner’s Office said it was investigating Haden’s death, and the official cause and manner will come from that office.
Cynthia Bashant
Southern District of California Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant said, “We are all devastated by the news about Andrew Haden.” She added, “This tragedy is a loss for everyone: his family, the court family and the legal community. He was well loved and well respected. Frankly, words fail me.”
Defense attorney Jeremy Warren said he remained friends with Haden throughout hard-fought litigation. Warren said Haden was “smart, honest, honorable, fair-minded” and had “a great sense of humor,” a view that matched the response from the office and the court community after Thursday’s disclosure.
