An 18-year-old California high school tennis star, Braun Levi, tragically died in a crash caused by an alleged female drunk driver. Levi, who was one month away from graduation, had lost his home in the Palisades Fire back in January.
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According to the
Manhattan Beach Police Department, the incident took place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at around 12:46 a.m. Officers arrived on Sepulveda Boulevard and found Levi in the street next to a vehicle. As per KABC, Levi and a friend were walking down the street when the former was struck.The Manhattan Beach Fire Department arrived at the scene and transported Braun Levi to a local hospital. However, despite receiving life-saving treatment, Levi succumbed to his injuries.
The driver, 33-year-old Jenia Belt, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and homicide. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Belt was being held in the Manhattan Beach Jail as of Sunday night.
Remembering Braun Levi
Loyola High School Athletics posted a statement on
Facebook, addressing Levi's death. They described him as "one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history. Moreover, the school revealed that days before his death, on April 29, he won his 4th consecutive league championship."The ultimate team captain, Levi was a true leader throughout our campus serving as a member of the Student Council, a senior Big Brother, Kairos retreat leader and volleyball team manager, to name a few. 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."
According to the Los Angeles Times, Braun Levi died only months after losing his house in the Palisades Fire. The fire destroyed 6,837 structures and burned through 23,448 acres in Los Angeles County.
Loyola High School of Los Angeles Principal Jamal Adams spoke with PEOPLE about what Levi went through.
"His family lost their home and had relocated to the South," Adams said. "In the short five months of 2025, their family's been through quite a bit."
However, Levi's contributions to the community transcended the tennis court. Not only did he help create a counseling space for displaced students, but he also worked alongside the school's administration to help organize a retreat.
"It was just to be in community, to talk about their feelings and the emotions of losing their homes," Adams said. "He was a shining example of caring for other people — even in the midst of going through his own personal situation."
An emotional prayer vigil took place on Sunday night. Levi's fellow students, teachers, and family members attended and paid tribute to the beloved high school student.
