Braden Pontoli, a Los Angeles-based musician, composer, and educator, remains missing after traveling to Santa Monica for an in-person job interview on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
According to information shared by his partner and people close to him, Pontoli left his home in Pasadena that morning and traveled to Santa Monica. He reportedly informed his partner that he had arrived safely near a WeWork location.
Concern grew after Pontoli stopped communicating with his partner and could no longer be reached. Those close to him have described the disappearance as unusual and out of character.
The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating the missing-person case under case number 26-90155. Friends and family have been sharing his information and asking anyone who may have seen him or his vehicle to contact authorities.
Pontoli is known for his work in music and the arts. He is a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts' MFA Performer-Composer program and has worked as a musician, composer, conductor, educator, and sound artist. CalArts recently highlighted his work as a curator and creator of the Altadena Heals arts installation.
He has also been active in the Los Angeles music community, including work with vocal ensembles and church music programs. His professional career has involved performance, composition, music education, and community arts projects.
As the search continues, his partner, family, friends, and members of the wider community are hoping for information that could help establish where Pontoli went after arriving in Santa Monica.
At this time, there is no reliable public confirmation that Braden Pontoli has been found deceased. Until authorities or his family provide confirmed information, reports about his death should be treated with caution.
Anyone with information about Pontoli's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department and reference case number 26-90155.
