Braden Pontoli was found dead at Malibu Beach on Wednesday, September 9. Braden hadn't been missing, as his body was found just a day after he was last seen. Emergency responders arrived at the scene after being dispatched due to reports of a body in the water.
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"The man, who was not wearing clothing, was pulled from the water and pronounced dead at the scene," the Santa Monica Daily Press reported. "The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified him as Pontoli, listing the place of death as the beach and the cause as suicide by blunt trauma."
Braden, a composer and choral singer, had traveled to Santa Monica for a job interview. His car was later found at a public garage in downtown Santa Monica. The garage is located miles away from where his body was recovered.
"Homicide detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said that there was no clear indication of foul play as they began their investigation," CBS News reports.
There is currently no further information regarding Braden's death. Authorities are undoubtedly investigating the issue. They'll most likely be trying to retrace Braden's steps in the hours that ultimately led to his passing. More information will undoubtedly come out as the investigation continues.
Braden Pontoli Was a Budding Musician
According to PEOPLE, Braden had previously worked with producer Peter Rafelson. He was also involved with a multitude of independent movie directors and local musical groups. On his website, Braden described his music as genre-bending.
"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 'About Braden' section of his site says. "...Braden currently sings with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, The Long Beach Camerata Singers, Catalyst Chamber Choir, Beati Quorum, and the San Diego Symphony Festival Chorus. Braden recently co-founded and is the first artistic director for Keiju Kollektiv - a LA based Nordic Folk Vocal Ensemble."
Due to the nature of Braden's death, no information has been released regarding an upcoming funeral. Those details will undoubtedly remain private for family and close friends.
