Manhattan Beach Mourns Loss of Loyola High School Tennis Star Braun Levi in Suspected DUI Crash
Manhattan Beach, CA – May 6, 2025 – The tight-knit community of Manhattan Beach and Loyola High School is reeling from the tragic death of 18-year-old Braun Levi, a senior and nationally ranked tennis star, who was fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver early Sunday morning, May 4, 2025. The incident, which occurred just weeks before Levi’s graduation, has left family, friends, and classmates devastated, compounding the Levi family’s grief after losing their Pacific Palisades home in the January 2025 wildfires.
According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, the crash took place at approximately 12:46 a.m. in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard near Ronda Drive. Levi was walking with a friend when he was hit by a vehicle driven by Jenia Belt, a 33-year-old Los Angeles woman. Officers found Levi lying in the street, and despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Belt was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence and murder, and she is currently being held without bail in Manhattan Beach jail.
Levi, a three-year captain of Loyola High School’s varsity tennis team, was celebrated as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in the program’s history. Just days before his death, he and teammate Cooper Schwartz won the Mission League doubles championship, marking his fourth consecutive league title. Levi’s achievements extended beyond the court; he was a member of the Student Council, a senior Big Brother, a Kairos retreat leader, and the volleyball team manager. Set to attend the University of Virginia in the fall, Levi was described by Loyola Principal Jamal Adams as a “shining presence” who brought “light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched.”
The Loyola community gathered Sunday evening for a tear-filled prayer vigil on campus, where students, faculty, and families honored Levi’s memory. “Braun was a friend and an inspiration to me,” said Assistant Principal Paul Jordan. “He loved his family, he loved Loyola, he loved his Palisades community, and he loved all of you, his fellow Cubs.” A growing memorial at the crash site, adorned with flowers and photos, has become a focal point for mourners, including students from nearby Mira Costa High School, where Levi had connections.
Levi’s social media accounts reflect a vibrant life filled with beach outings, family trips, and a memorable selfie with actor Adam Sandler. Tributes have flooded his profiles, with friends like Crowley Sullivan calling him “outgoing and ambitious.” His older sister, Adelle Levi, shared a heartfelt message: “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.”
The tragedy marks the second loss for Loyola High School in recent years, following the death of student-athlete Ryan Times in a train accident in April 2023. Tennis coach Brian Held, who also taught Levi in AP Economics and Statistics, called him “probably the most decorated player to ever play for the school” and a “unique and special” leader loved by peers and opponents alike.
The incident has reignited discussions about the preventable dangers of drunk driving. Levi’s family has urged the public to reflect on responsible decision-making and encouraged donations to organizations supporting victims of DUI crashes. The Manhattan Beach Police Department continues to investigate, with Belt facing potential DUI and murder charges.
A celebration of life ceremony is planned, with details to be announced by Loyola High School. Levi is survived by his parents and sister, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and athletic excellence that continues to inspire his community.
[Sources: Los Angeles Times, FOX 11 Los Angeles, Daily Mail, ABC7 Los Angeles, Yahoo, MB News, DNyuz, MyNewsLA, Restinpress, FamilySearchObits, X posts]