Manhattan Beach crash claims life of Loyola High School tennis standout, described as a radiant figure; DUI suspect taken into custody following accident
Sparkling Tennis Star Braun Levi Taken Away by Tragedy
Remembering Braun Levi, the electric spirit that captivated everyone he met at Loyola High School Los Angeles.
Just a month ago, Loyola High School celebrated senior Braun Levi's ascension to the top ranks of boys tennis nationwide. This 18-year-old phenom clinched another victory not long ago, bagging the Mission League doubles championship alongside teammate Cooper Schwartz. In a heartwarming photo, beaming Levi sports four fingers, symbolizing each of his consecutive league victories.
His family's relocation from Pacific Palisades to the South Bay had only just begun after their home was devastated by the January firestorm. This unfathomable tragedy paled in comparison to the heartbreak that awaited, as Loyola Principal Jamal Adams informed the school community via email that Levi had been taken from them in a grave traffic accident hours earlier, just weeks before his high school graduation.
"Braun was a beacon of light in our Loyola family, bringing joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched," Adams wrote in a heart-rending email. The school community was invited to a prayer vigil in memory of their cherished fellow student.
Manhattan Beach police apprehended a 33-year-old Los Angeles woman on suspicion of DUI and homicide in connection to the early morning crash. According to the police report, a call came in at 12:46 a.m. concerning a traffic accident with a pedestrian on South Sepulveda Boulevard. The unnamed victim was found suffering in the street. The suspect, identified as Jenia Belt, remains in the Manhattan Beach jail.
Levi's social media accounts resonated with an outpouring of tributes from friends and acquaintances. The bright-eyed, outgoing student had plans to attend the University of Virginia in the fall.
One bereaved friend noted, "Anyone who knew you knows how fortunate they are. You never met a stranger, and left an impact on everyone you met." Another wrote, "Braun's ability to lift those around him was singular, it was impossible to be sad or bored when he was present." Images from his social media depict the essence of a classic Southern California upbringing, featuring leisurely moments with family and friends, and once-in-a-lifetime encounters with celebrities like Adam Sandler.
Just two years ago, another prominent Loyola High student-athlete, Ryan Times, tragically lost his life in a train accident during the school's spring break. Passionate tennis coach Brian Held, who coached Levi and also led him in AP Economics and Statistics, fondly recalls his brilliant three-year captain, "probably the most decorated player to ever play for the school."
Levi, a dedicated leader, was a member of the Student Council, Senior Big Brother, Kairos retreat leader, and volleyball team manager. His passion for his peers was unparalleled, and he embodied the Jesuit values of being a "Man for and With Others." Levi's legacy endures through his survivors—his parents and an older sister.
Times staff writer Eric Sondheimer contributed to this report.
Further Reading
Siblings Die in Suspected DUI Crash in California's Wine Country
Grieving Families Remembrance: Teenagers Lost in Tragic Orange County Crash
Fatal Crash: Six Friends Squeezed into Car with Deadly Consequences
- The tragic traffic accident that took Braun Levi's life happened in Los Angeles, California.
- In a heartbreaking turn of events, Braun Levi, a top-ranked tennis player from Loyola High School Los Angeles, was involved in a fatal car-accident just weeks before his high school graduation.
- General news channels have been covering the crime-and-justice story of the DUI-suspected driver, a 33-year-old woman from Los Angeles, who is in custody for her part in the early morning crash.
- The sports world mourns the loss of tennis star Braun Levi, with discussions on sports-analysis platforms focusing on his victories and legacy.
- Besides tennis, Braun Levi showed impressive skills in various sports such as football, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, and even mixed martial arts.
- While recalling Braun Levi, many remember his passion for sports-betting, often sharing tips and predictions on the various games he followed.
- The tragic accident involving Braun Levi brings attention to the increase in traffic accidents in cities like Los Angeles, sparking debates on road-safety measures.
- In the face of this terrible news, Braun Levi's own inspiring story remains an integral part of general-news discussion, as well as a reminder of the often dangerous intersections between sports, success, and the road.
