Just a few months ago, 18-year-old Braun Levi and his family were watching flames tear through their neighborhood, forced to leave everything behind in the Palisades wildfire. They relocated to Manhattan Beach, hoping for a fresh start, a safe place to rebuild. But this weekend, their world shattered again—this time, in a way no one saw coming.
Braun, a beloved high school senior and tennis champion at Loyola High School, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver early Sunday morning. He was just weeks away from graduating, with a bright future ahead and a full scholarship to play tennis at the University of Virginia.
Now, his family is left mourning a young life taken too soon—one that had already endured more hardship than most people see in a lifetime.
A Promising Future, A Sudden End
According to police, Braun was walking with a friend around 1 a.m. near downtown Manhattan Beach when a vehicle hit him. The driver, identified as 33-year-old Jenia Belt, has been arrested and charged with murder and DUI. She’s being held without bail.
Witnesses say Braun was simply walking down the street, enjoying a night out with friends after a long week of school and tennis practice. The crash was sudden and violent, and emergency responders were unable to save him.
“He was supposed to be picking up his cap and gown this week,” one classmate said. “Instead, we’re planning a memorial.”
From Fire to Tragedy
Earlier this year, Braun and his family lost their home in the Palisades Fire. They had been living in temporary housing before settling in Manhattan Beach, trying to piece their lives back together.
“He was resilient,” said Braun’s mother in a statement. “Even after the fire, he stayed strong for all of us. He kept saying, ‘We’ll be okay, we’ll build it back.’ That was just who he was.”
And he didn’t just say it—he lived it. Braun poured himself into his schoolwork, volunteered with wildfire recovery efforts, and stayed committed to his team, often waking up at 5 a.m. to practice before class.
A Champion On and Off the Court
Braun wasn’t just a good tennis player—he was one of the best. He helped lead Loyola High School to four straight league championships and was named team captain his junior and senior years.
But those who knew him say his kindness and leadership mattered even more than his athletic skill.
“He had this calming energy,” said his coach, fighting back tears. “Whether you were winning or losing, he always made you feel like you could still turn it around.”
In addition to sports, Braun was active in student council, retreat leadership, and community outreach. He was the kind of student teachers remembered. “He was the light in any room,” one said.
Grief and Outrage
News of his death has devastated the Loyola community. Students gathered Monday night for a candlelight vigil on the school’s tennis courts. Friends brought photos, letters, and even old tennis balls with personal messages written in Sharpie.
Many expressed anger that such a tragic loss was caused by something preventable.
“This wasn’t an accident,” said one family friend. “It was a choice—someone got behind the wheel after drinking. And now Braun’s gone.”
His parents are calling for justice, but also for awareness. They want people to understand the very real consequences of drunk driving.
“Braun didn’t deserve this,” his father said quietly. “He did everything right. And now he’s gone.”
A Legacy of Strength
Braun Levi’s story is one of perseverance, compassion, and promise. He faced unthinkable challenges with grace far beyond his years. His life, though tragically cut short, touched hundreds—friends, classmates, coaches, neighbors.
And while his parents will never see him walk across that graduation stage, they hope his memory will inspire others to choose empathy, to be safer, to speak up, and to never take another day for granted.
“He had so much love to give,” his mom said through tears. “We just wish he had more time to give it.”
The community continues to grieve but also to honor him—by living a little more like Braun did: with heart, with courage, and with kindness.
