The Unspeakable Tragedy: 5 Shocking Facts About The Death Of High School Tennis Star Braun Levi
The senseless loss of a promising young life has sent shockwaves through the Southern California community. As of late December 2025, the tragic death of 18-year-old high school senior Braun Levi continues to be a major focus of legal and community efforts, with new details emerging about the suspected driver’s history and the immense grief of a family that had already endured a catastrophic loss months earlier. This article provides the most current, in-depth information on the incident, the ongoing legal battle, and the enduring legacy of a beloved athlete.
Braun Levi, a standout tennis player and senior at Loyola High School, was fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach, California, just weeks before his high school graduation. His death has sparked a massive outcry against repeat DUI offenders and led to a landmark $200 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by his heartbroken parents, Daniel and Jennifer Levi.
Biography and Profile of Braun Levi
Braun Levi was a vibrant, talented, and deeply respected member of the Loyola High School Class of 2025 and a pillar of the South Bay community. His life, though tragically cut short, was marked by extraordinary resilience, academic excellence, and athletic achievement.
- Full Name: Braun Levi
- Age: 18 years old (Senior Class of 2025)
- High School: Loyola High School, Los Angeles, CA
- Notable Achievements: Standout tennis player and team captain. He clinched the Mission League doubles championship for four consecutive years. He was instrumental in helping the team win CIF Championships.
- Community Involvement: Known as a "shining presence," a devoted teammate, a loyal friend, and a leader by example. He was also a tutor in the Ignatian Scholars Writing Center.
- Parents: Daniel and Jennifer Levi
- Resilience: His family had recently been forced to relocate to the Manhattan Beach area after losing their home in the devastating Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County, just months before his death.
- Date of Incident: Early morning of Sunday, May 4, 2025
- Location of Incident: Sepulveda Boulevard near 2nd Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
The Tragic Circumstances of the Manhattan Beach DUI Crash
The incident that claimed Braun Levi's life occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Braun was walking with a friend along the 100 block of Sepulveda Boulevard when he was struck by a vehicle. The force of the impact was catastrophic, and Braun was fatally injured.
The Suspect: Jenia Belt and Her Repeat Offender History
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 33-year-old Jenia Belt of Los Angeles, was arrested at the scene by the Manhattan Beach Police Department. The details surrounding her apprehension are shocking and form the core of the subsequent legal action.
- Belt was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and murder.
- Her blood alcohol level was reportedly nearly twice the legal limit at the time of the collision.
- Crucially, Belt was driving on a suspended license.
- Court records reveal that Belt is a repeat offender, having been arrested on DUI-related charges in November 2023. This prior offense is a key factor in the murder charge, as it establishes that she was aware of the inherent risks of driving under the influence.
The decision by prosecutors to charge Belt with murder, rather than just vehicular manslaughter, reflects the severity of her alleged negligence and her history as a repeat DUI offender. The legal argument is that her prior knowledge of the risks constitutes "implied malice," a key element in a murder charge.
The $200 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit and Call for Justice
In the wake of their son's death, Daniel and Jennifer Levi filed a massive $200 million wrongful death lawsuit against Jenia Belt. The lawsuit is not merely about financial compensation; it is a powerful statement and a demand for accountability for a life tragically stolen.
The legal team representing the Levi family emphasized that Belt, as a repeat offender, was fully aware of the dangers of her actions. The lawsuit seeks to hold her accountable for her "negligence" and to send a clear message about the consequences of driving under the influence, especially with a suspended license and a prior DUI conviction.
From Palisades Fire to South Bay Tragedy
The profound tragedy of Braun's death is compounded by the fact that his family was already rebuilding their lives. Just months before the crash, the Levi family’s home was destroyed in the devastating Palisades Fire. This forced them to relocate from the Palisades to the South Bay, only to face an even more heartbreaking loss. The fire destroyed their physical home; the crash destroyed their family's future.
This contextual detail has resonated deeply with the public, highlighting the unfairness and cruelty of the circumstances. Braun's passing occurred just as he was weeks away from graduating and embarking on his college journey, a future that was snatched away by a preventable act of alleged drunk driving.
The Enduring Legacy: "Live Like Braun Levi"
The shock and grief felt by the Loyola High School community and the wider South Bay community have galvanized into a movement to honor Braun's memory. The tennis team, his friends, and the USTA Southern California (USTA SoCal) community have adopted the motto: "Live Like Braun Levi."
This phrase encapsulates his spirit: a passionate tennis player, a devoted teammate, a kind and loyal friend, and a strong leader. His impact was not just measured by his four consecutive Mission League doubles championships or his CIF wins, but by the way he treated others.
Tributes from the Loyola Athletics department and the school newspaper, *The Loyalist*, remember him as a "Cub for Life" and a "shining presence." The community's commitment is to ensure that his legacy of kindness, resilience, and leadership continues to inspire those who knew him and those who learn his story.
A Call for Stricter DUI Enforcement
The case of Braun Levi’s death has become a flashpoint for advocates pushing for stricter laws and enforcement against repeat DUI offenders in California. The fact that Jenia Belt was allegedly driving with a suspended license and a prior DUI arrest raises serious questions about the judicial system's ability to keep dangerous drivers off the road.
The $200 million lawsuit and the murder charge against Belt are seen by many as a necessary step to bring a measure of justice to the Levi family and to serve as a potent deterrent to others who might consider driving under the influence. The legal proceedings in the coming months will be closely watched by the community seeking accountability for this unspeakable tragedy.
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