The man found dead off the coast of Malibu this week has been identified as a beloved musician and composer with a “beautiful baritone voice,” according to loved ones.
Authorities pulled the naked body of Braden Pontoli, 36, from the water just north of Malibu Lagoon on Wednesday and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Pontoli was reported missing after he was scheduled for an in-person interview in Santa Monica this week, friends said.
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He worked as a composer, conductor, musician, sound artist and “sound healer,” according to his website.
“When it comes to his music, Braden bends genres, throughout his breadth of work on stage, on screen, and in the wild. Braden’s work has been characterized as meditative, invigorating, and energizing,” the website says.
It added that he was scheduled for a residency in Iceland in 2027 to work on “sound installation” and “traditional folksong arrangements.”
His partner, Tommy Lei, mourned his death and called Pontoli the “music and soundtrack in my world.”
“This isn’t the post I want to make. Braden, you are so loved and beloved. You were the music and soundtrack in my world. I still don’t believe this is real. We miss you so much already,” Lei wrote.
The Claremont Chorale, a choir group in eastern Los Angeles County, described Pontoli as a singer who lent his “beautiful baritone voice” to solos with the group.
“He was always kind, patient, and generous, and his musical gifts brought joy and healing to many. This is such a sad time for everyone whose life he touched. We wish comfort to his loved ones and offer our many condolences to all who are grieving,” the choir group wrote.
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Another friend mourned his death in a social media post, saying Pontoli “shaped” his life.
“Your musicianship and composer chops have always inspired me and driven me to be better. I can’t really put into words what’s in my heart at the moment, but I am so grateful that our paths did cross, and for the friendship that we shared,” he wrote.
An investigation into his death is ongoing, but authorities said there was no clear indication of foul play.
