The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed that Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden died by suicide inside the federal building where he worked in downtown San Diego. His body was discovered last Wednesday after police received a report that he might be missing.
Discovery and Investigation
San Diego police officers responded to the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building and found Haden dead inside an office. At the time, police said they did not initially suspect foul play. The Medical Examiner's Office has now determined that Haden died by suicide, bringing closure to the circumstances surrounding his death.
Haden had been a federal prosecutor with the Southern District of California since 2010, marking over a decade of service. He twice served as acting U.S. Attorney during leadership transitions, first in 2023 and again in 2025, demonstrating his significant role within the office.
Career and Background
Beyond his prosecutorial work, Haden was a U.S. Navy veteran who completed two overseas deployments. His military background and long tenure in the U.S. Attorney's office highlighted a career dedicated to public service.
Following his death, U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon described the event as “one of the darkest days in our office’s history,” and remembered Haden as “a beacon of light.” These remarks underscore the profound impact Haden had on his colleagues and the broader legal community in San Diego.
Impact and Reflection
The tragedy has drawn attention to the pressures faced by prosecutors and other federal employees, who often work under high-stress conditions. Colleagues continue to mourn Haden's loss, while the office grapples with the aftermath of losing a respected and long-serving member.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office's determination confirms the cause of death, providing a definitive answer to the incident that shocked the federal building's staff. As the office mourns, the focus remains on supporting those affected and acknowledging the challenges inherent in federal legal work.
