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Rising Tennis Star Braun Levi, 18, Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver Just Weeks Before Graduation
A talented young athlete lost his life in a tragic crash that rocked his community just weeks after commemorating a significant sporting achievement.
Early on Sunday morning, May 4, 18-year-old tennis star Braun Levi of Los Angeles’ Loyola High School died in a suspected DUI accident in Manhattan Beach. A close-knit school and larger sports community are in sorrow over the devastating news, which comes just after Levi’s most recent championship victory and before his expected graduation.
Levi was recently recognised by Loyola for his accomplishment of becoming the top-ranked boy’s tennis player in the country. He also won his fourth consecutive Mission League doubles title with colleague Cooper Schwartz just days before he passed away.
The happy couple proudly held up four fingers in a celebratory shot, signifying each of their triumphs. These victories occurred just a few months after the Levi family’s house in the Pacific Palisades was destroyed by fire in January, forcing them to relocate. Ever since, they have moved to South Bay.
Unfortunately, his pledge was broken last weekend when Manhattan Beach police said that a 33-year-old Los Angeles woman had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and driving under the influence.
When officers responded to a complaint at 12:46 a.m. about a pedestrian being hit in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard, they found the victim lying in the street.
The driver, Jenia Belt, was arrested on allegations of DUI and homicide and was still being held at the Manhattan Beach jail without bail as of Sunday.
According to public records, Belt was previously arrested for DUI on November 25, 2023. The DUI-related charges were dropped in September 2024 after she entered a plea agreement to plead no contest to a misdemeanour hit-and-run with property damage.
However, due to her suspected elevated blood alcohol content while driving, the California DMV had already suspended her licence on January 18, 2024.
At the time of the collision, her licence was still suspended. Authorities then verified that Levi was walking with a buddy at the time of the crash. When he heard the crash, a witness who was ahead of Levi informed reporters he turned back and saw the teenager on the ground.
A silver Infiniti SUV with a broken windscreen was visible at the scene of the collision. The police had not yet submitted the formal case to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office as of Monday, and attempts to contact Belt’s previous case’s public defender were fruitless.
Jamal Adams, the principal of Loyola, sent an email to the professors and students announcing the devastating news that Levi had died just hours before in a car accident.
“Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family,” he stated. “All members of our community are welcome to join us as we gather in unity and remembrance,” he added, announcing a prayer vigil that night on campus.
On Sunday night, a large number of Levi’s shocked classmates, faculty, and friends gathered for the candlelight vigil in Loyola’s Caruso Hall. Thousands of people joined via live streaming, while hundreds showed there in person.
The school choir sang “On Eagles Wings” and “I Am Loyola,” and Levi’s loved ones delivered their emotional thoughts. Paul Jordan, the assistant principal, called him an “inspiration”. He added that Levi was a friend to everyone he knew and that they had all become better people as a result of knowing him.
Tennis Coach Brian Held, who also taught Levi in AP Economics and Statistics, said in an email, “Braun was the most amazing, all-around leader, whom everyone loved, even his opponents. He was just that type of kid — unique and special. As one of his teachers, I witnessed how he brought joy to everyone.”
Held also disclosed that Levi, who had served as captain of the tennis team for three years, was the player who had received perhaps the highest number of accolades and distinctions in the school’s history.
Levi’s social media platforms were inundated with tributes following the news’s dissemination. Anyone who got to know Levi was lucky, according to one commenter. They also mentioned that he left a lasting impression on everyone he came into contact with and never treated anyone like a stranger.
Another person mentioned that he had an influence on individuals, regardless of how long they knew him. They said that when Levi was around, it was hard to feel depressed or bored.
Furthermore, images circulated online depicted a lively existence. Levi may be seen smiling in a pink suit at a horse racing track, wading in lakes, embracing friends on the beach, and posing with Adam Sandler.
The people of Southern California are grieving. Matthew Seedorff, a reporter for Fox LA, posted a video of a memorial service for Levi erected on the beach.
His friend Erik Logan Toppenberg described him as “a force of nature wrapped in kindness, energy, and pure light.” He added, “He didn’t just walk into a room — he ignited it.”
In a tribute to the late youngster, Maccabi USA mentioned that Levi supported his sister Adelle, who played on the U18 Girls Soccer team, and participated in the 2022 Maccabiah in Israel. The group recalled Levi as a beloved member of their sports family, a team captain, a leader on the student council, and a Big Brother mentor.
A comparable loss is still being processed by the Loyola community. Senior baseball player Ryan Times passed away in April 2023 after being hit by a train over spring break. New scars have been reopened by the tragedy of Levi’s death a year later.
Levi had been preparing to attend the University of Virginia in the fall. Loyola’s athletics department shared a tribute on Instagram that read, “His lovable personality, infectious smile, and boundless energy made him a beloved member of the Loyola community. He was a true Man for and With Others, and we will miss him dearly.”
His best buddy and long-time tennis partner, Schwartz, wrote a heartfelt post featuring a picture of the two holding trophies when they were younger teenagers.
He claimed that Levi’s deeds would inspire amusing tales and that they would always remember and honour him. He also wrote about how sorry it was that he couldn’t give him a hug. He believed that no one could have had a greater life, whether Levi had lived for eighteen years or much longer.
He also reflected on their bond during shared hardships and wrote, “You are truly my favorite story to tell and the brother I needed when our siblings were in college and our houses burned.” Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to Levi’s parents: “You couldn’t have raised him any better because you raised him to be just like yourself.”
Levi’s sister, Adelle, shared her own tribute: “I will spend the rest of my life striving to live with the same heart, strength, and kindness that you’ve shown these past 19 years. You are deeply loved, and words can’t begin to express how much you’ll be missed.”
Daniel and Jennifer, Levi’s parents, as well as his sister, survive him. His brief life had a significant impact on everyone he knew. This tragedy serves as yet another reminder to make the most of your life.
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to everyone who knew Levi.
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