Just weeks after reaching a major athletic milestone, a rising tennis star’s life was tragically cut short in a heartbreaking crash that has left his community reeling.
Braun Levi, the 18-year-old tennis phenom from Loyola High School in Los Angeles, was killed in the early hours of Sunday, May 4, in a suspected DUI crash in Manhattan Beach. The devastating accident comes on the heels of Levi’s recent championship triumph and just ahead of his high school graduation — a moment that now marks a profound loss for his school, teammates, and the wider athletic world.
Loyola High School had recently celebrated Braun Levi for his remarkable achievement of ranking among the nation’s best in boys’ tennis. Just days before his untimely death, he and his doubles partner, Cooper Schwartz, triumphed in their fourth consecutive Mission League championship.
A joyful photo captured the two friends holding up four fingers, proudly commemorating each of their victories together. These triumphs came on the heels of an incredibly difficult year for the Levi family, who were displaced by a devastating fire in January that destroyed their Pacific Palisades home. Since then, they had relocated to South Bay, finding a new sense of hope amid the adversity.
Tragically, Braun Levi’s promising future was stolen last weekend when tragedy struck in Manhattan Beach. Authorities reported the arrest of a 33-year-old woman from Los Angeles on suspicion of DUI and homicide.
At 12:46 a.m. on May 4, the Manhattan Beach Police responded to a call about a pedestrian being struck in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard. Upon arrival, they found Levi lying lifeless in the street, his bright future shattered in an instant.
The driver, 33-year-old Jenia Belt, was arrested at the scene and remained in custody at the Manhattan Beach Jail without bail as of Sunday. She faces charges of DUI and murder.
Public records revealed troubling details about Belt’s past. She had been arrested for DUI just months earlier, on November 25, 2023. Additionally, she pled no contest to a misdemeanor hit-and-run with property damage in September 2024 through a plea deal — a move that led to the dismissal of the original DUI-related charges.
Despite the fact that the California DMV had already suspended her driver’s license on January 18, 2024, due to an alleged excessive blood alcohol level, Jenia Belt was behind the wheel that fateful night. Her license remained suspended at the time of the crash.
As authorities pieced together the details of the incident, they confirmed that Levi had been walking with a friend when the collision took place. A witness, who had been ahead of Levi, recounted hearing the crash and turning around to find the young athlete lying motionless on the ground.
At the scene of the accident, a damaged silver Infiniti SUV with a shattered windshield was found, a haunting reminder of the crash that claimed Levi’s life. As of Monday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office had not yet received the formal case submission from the police, and attempts to contact Belt’s public defender from her previous case were unsuccessful.
Loyola Principal Jamal Adams shared the heartbreaking news of Braun Levi’s death with students and faculty via email, informing them of the tragic traffic accident that had occurred just hours earlier.
“Braun was a bright and shining presence in our Loyola family,” Adams wrote in the message. In an effort to support the grieving community, he announced a prayer vigil that evening, inviting all members of the school to come together in unity and remembrance: “We welcome everyone to join us as we gather in honor of Braun’s life and legacy.”
In a powerful show of support, many of Levi’s shocked classmates, teachers, and friends gathered at Loyola’s Caruso Hall on Sunday evening for a heartfelt candlelight vigil. Hundreds attended in person, while thousands more joined the emotional event via live stream, all united in grief and remembrance.
The evening was filled with music, memories, and emotion. Loyola’s choir performed moving renditions of “On Eagle’s Wings” and “I Am Loyola,” setting a solemn tone for the gathering. Friends, teachers, and mentors shared heartfelt reflections about Braun’s life and character.
Assistant Principal Paul Jordan called Levi an “inspiration,” describing him as a friend to all — someone whose presence made others better simply by knowing him.
Tennis Coach Brian Held, who also taught Levi in AP Economics and Statistics, echoed those sentiments in an email: “Braun was the most amazing, all-around leader, whom everyone loved — even his opponents. He was just that type of kid — unique and special. As one of his teachers, I witnessed how he brought joy to everyone.”
Coach Held also shared that Levi, who had served as the tennis team captain for three consecutive years, may have been the most decorated athlete in Loyola’s history — a testament to both his talent and dedication.
In the hours following the tragic news, an outpouring of love and remembrance flooded Levi’s social media pages. One tribute captured the sentiment shared by many: “Anyone who had the opportunity to know Braun was truly fortunate. He never treated anyone like a stranger and left a lasting mark on every person he met.”
Another mourner reflected on Levi’s unforgettable energy, writing that he made an impact on everyone — whether you knew him for years or just a moment. “It was impossible to feel sad or bored when Braun was around,” they recalled, a sentiment echoed by many who cherished his magnetic presence.
Photos shared online told the story of a vibrant young life lived to the fullest: Levi wading through mountain lakes, hugging friends on the beach, beaming beside Adam Sandler, and flashing a wide grin in a pink suit at a horse racing track. Each image captured not just moments, but the joy, warmth, and light that defined who he was.
The loss of Braun Levi has left a deep void in the Southern California community, where he was not just admired for his athleticism but loved for his heart. A video shared by Fox LA reporter Matthew Seedorff captured a moving tribute set up on the beach — a quiet, heartfelt memorial to a young life that touched so many. As waves lapped the shore and candles flickered in the sand, it was clear: Braun’s light may be gone, but his spirit continues to shine in every life he touched.
Among the many heartfelt tributes, friend Erik Logan Toppenberg offered words that perfectly captured Braun’s essence: “He was a force of nature wrapped in kindness, energy, and pure light,” he said. “He didn’t just walk into a room — he ignited it.”
Maccabi USA also honored Braun Levi’s memory, sharing that he had proudly represented the United States at the 2022 Maccabiah Games in Israel. He had not only competed with passion but also cheered on his sister, Adelle, who played for the U18 Girls Soccer team. In their tribute, the organization remembered Braun as more than an athlete — he was a team captain, a student council leader, a Big Brother mentor, and a beloved member of their extended sports family.
For the Loyola community, the pain runs especially deep. Just a year ago, in April 2023, they mourned the loss of Ryan Times, a senior baseball player who died tragically after being struck by a train during spring break. Now, as they face the heartbreak of losing Braun, fresh wounds have been reopened — reminding all of how fragile, and precious, young lives truly are.
Braun Levi had been eagerly preparing to begin a new chapter at the University of Virginia this fall, a future filled with promise both on and off the court. Loyola’s athletics department paid tribute to him in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “His lovable personality, infectious smile, and boundless energy made him a beloved member of the Loyola community. He was a true Man for and With Others, and we will miss him dearly.”
Cooper Schwartz, Braun’s longtime tennis partner and best friend, shared a deeply personal tribute. Alongside a photo of the two holding trophies as young teens, he reflected on their journey together — from championship wins to countless shared memories — a bond now etched in time, and in heartbreak.
Cooper Schwartz, in his tribute, vowed to always remember and celebrate Braun. He shared that Levi’s actions would continue to fuel countless funny stories and fond memories. Despite the overwhelming sadness of never being able to hug his best friend again, Schwartz wrote that, in his eyes, it didn’t matter whether Levi had lived for 18 years or much longer — no one could have lived a more fulfilling life.
Reflecting on their deep bond through shared hardships, Schwartz wrote, “You are truly my favorite story to tell and the brother I needed when our siblings were in college and our houses burned.” He also took a moment to express his gratitude to Levi’s parents, saying, “You couldn’t have raised him any better because you raised him to be just like yourself.”
Levi’s sister, Adelle, also shared a moving tribute, reflecting on the impact her brother had on her life. She wrote, “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, and words can’t begin to express how much you’ll be missed.”
Braun Levi is survived by his parents, Jennifer and Daniel, and his sister, Adelle. Though his life was tragically short, his impact was immense, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. This heartbreaking loss serves as a poignant reminder to live each day to the fullest and cherish the moments we have with those we love.
At this time, we extend our deepest condolences to all those who loved and were touched by Levi’s remarkable life.