Braden Pontoli Missing, Santa Monica, CA – Family and Friends Seek Help Finding Composer

Family and friends are appealing to the public for help locating Braden Pontoli, a Los Angeles-based composer, musician, conductor and sound artist who has reportedly been missing since Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

According to information shared by people close to Pontoli, he was last seen in Santa Monica at approximately 10:00 a.m. near a WeWork location. He had traveled to the area for an in-person job interview and reportedly told his partner that he had arrived safely.

Concern grew after Pontoli could no longer be reached following the interview. Friends and loved ones have described his disappearance as unusual and out of character, prompting an urgent effort to determine his whereabouts.

The Santa Monica Police Department case number associated with the missing-person report is 26-90155. Anyone with information about Pontoli’s whereabouts is being encouraged to contact authorities and reference the case number when providing information.

Pontoli is described as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall with an above-average build. His loved ones are asking anyone who may have seen him in Santa Monica or elsewhere after the morning of September 8 to come forward.

Pontoli has longstanding connections to the Los Angeles creative community. His professional work includes composition, vocal performance, conducting and sound-healing projects. He studied at the California Institute of the Arts, completing a Master of Fine Arts program focused on music performance and composition.

In 2026, Pontoli remained active in the arts community, serving as curator and sound healer for Altadena Heals, a walking music installation bringing artists and community members together through sound and performance. He has also been associated with Keiju Kollektiv, a Los Angeles-based vocal ensemble.

There is currently no confirmed public information explaining what happened after Pontoli arrived in Santa Monica or where he may have gone.

Family, friends and colleagues continue to hope for his safe return and are urging the public to share verified information responsibly.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department and reference case number 26-90155.