Naked body found off ritzy Malibu coast identified as composer with ‘beautiful’ voice
A naked man found dead off the Malibu coast has been identified as a beloved composer with a ‘beautiful’ voice, his loved ones said.
Braden Pontoli, 36, was found floating just north of Malibu Lagoon on Wednesday by the Los Angeles County Fire Department after crews were dispatched to the area around 3pm for reports of a body in the water, CBS News reported.
Pontoli was pulled from the water and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the outlet.
He suffered blunt trauma and died on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office determined. His death has been ruled a suicide.
The musician was reported missing after he was set to go to an in-person interview in Santa Monica last week, his partner, Tommy Lei, said in an online post before his body was recovered.
Lei also shared a missing persons poster showing Pontoli wearing a blue button-down shirt, dark dress pants, and sandals. His car, a blue 2019 Nissan Kicks, was also featured in the bulletin.
He was a composer, musician, conductor, sound artist, and a ‘sound healer,’ his website detailed.
‘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,’ his profile read.
Braden Pontoli, 36, was found floating just north of Malibu Lagoon on Wednesday
Pontoli was found naked and pronounced dead at the scene. He suffered blunt trauma and died on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office determined
Pontoli had a residency scheduled in Iceland in 2027, where he was supposed to ‘be creating sound installation work and traditional folksong arrangements,’ according to the site.
He was also a member of the Claremont Chorale, where he often sang solos with his ‘beautiful baritone voice,’ the group wrote in a tribute post after learning of his death.
The group added: ‘He was the most gracious host to us as the music director of the Claremont United Methodist Church.
‘He was always kind, patient, and generous, and his musical gifts brought joy and healing to many.’
His heartbroken partner has gone on to mourn his death.
‘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,’ Lei wrote.
‘I still don’t believe that is real. We miss you so much already.’
The young musician was reported missing after he was set to go to an in-person interview in Santa Monica last week, his partner, Tommy Lei, said in an online post before his body was recovered
Lei shared a missing persons poster after his partner went missing
Other friends and family mourned Pontoli online, with one writing: ‘Some of the funniest, messiest, happiest memories of my twenties have you right in the middle of them.’
His heartbroken sister, McKenna Potter, also took to social media after learning of his passing.
‘Hi everyone – my family and I want to thank you all so much for your love, thoughts and prayers. It is with great sadness to say that Braden is no longer with us.
‘We would appreciate your continued prayers, support, and privacy as we navigate this tremendous loss during this time. Thank you all so much and God Bless,’ she shared.
