Musician Braden Pontoli identified after death off Malibu coast

Braden Pontoli, a 36-year-old musician, composer, and conductor, has been identified as the man found dead off the coast of Malibu. His body was recovered from the Pacific Ocean just north of Malibu Lagoon on Wednesday.

Pontoli had been reported missing after failing to attend a scheduled interview in Santa Monica earlier this week. He was a multi-disciplinary artist described as a composer, sound artist, and “sound healer.”

Tributes have poured in from his professional and personal circles. His partner, Tommy Lei, described him as the “music and soundtrack” in his world. The Claremont Chorale, a choir in eastern Los Angeles County where Pontoli performed, praised his “beautiful baritone voice” and noted his kindness and generosity.