Braun Levi, a highly ranked 18-year-old tennis athlete from Loyola High School in Los Angeles, sadly passed away on May 4 due to a suspected DUI incident in Manhattan Beach. Just a few days prior, Levi had celebrated winning his fourth consecutive Mission League doubles championship alongside his partner, Cooper Schwartz. He was in the process of preparing for graduation and was set to attend the University of Virginia.
Levi’s family had recently relocated to South Bay after suffering the loss of their home in a fire earlier this year. The alleged driver, 33-year-old Jenia Belt, had a suspended license stemming from a previous DUI and is currently being held without bail on charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
The community surrounding Loyola High School is in mourning over the loss of Levi. He is fondly remembered as a talented athlete, a caring leader, and a devoted friend. A candlelight vigil was organized in his memory, with sincere tributes coming in from classmates, teammates, and organizations such as Maccabi USA.
Levi is survived by his parents, Daniel and Jennifer, along with his sister, Adelle. His untimely passing represents not only a profound loss for his family and school but also serves as a poignant reminder of the perils associated with impaired driving.
His legacy continues through the lives he influenced—both on and off the tennis court—and acts as a compelling motivation to embrace life fully and appreciate those we hold dear.
