An 18-year-old high school tennis star in Southern California was tragically killed just weeks before he was set to graduate and start college.
Braun Levi, a senior at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach on Sunday, May 4, Fox News reported.
The Manhattan Beach Police Department confirmed that officers arrested 33-year-old Jenia Belt at 12:46AM on suspicion of DUI and murder, after Levi was found lying in the street next to a vehicle.
Belt is currently in custody without bail in Manhattan Beach, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Court and DMV records obtained by The Times revealed that the alleged driver was previously charged in a DUI case from November 25, 2023, and was not legally permitted to be driving at the time of Sunday’s crash.
In the 2023 incident, Belt faced several charges, including driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher, either driving with a BAC of 0.15 or more, or refusing a chemical test, and hit and run resulting in property damage.
In September 2024, she pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of hit and run with property damage. As part of a plea deal, the DUI-related charges were dropped. Belt was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay restitution.
Levi, 18, was widely known as a standout both in the classroom and on the court.
At Loyola, he held numerous leadership roles, serving as an ultimate team captain, a student council member, and the volleyball team manager.
He was also a four-year varsity starter on the tennis team and had just secured a league championship title on April 29. The school described him as “one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history”.
According to Fox 11, Levi had plans to attend the University of Virginia after graduating in June. His death comes at a time when his family was already facing hardship, having recently lost their home in the Palisades fire and relocating to South Bay.
In a tribute shared by Loyola High School’s athletics department, the community expressed deep sorrow over the sudden loss.
"We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Loyola High School senior, Braun Levi,” the statement read. “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. We love you, Braun.”
Loyola High School Principal Jamal Adams echoed the sentiment in a message to staff and students. “Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family… bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched,” Adams wrote.
Friends and classmates have been flooding Levi’s Instagram page with heartfelt messages, remembering him as someone who had a lasting impact on everyone he met.
“Anyone who got to know you knows how lucky they are. You never met a stranger, and left an impact on everyone you met. I’m going to live and love as big as you every day. You watch the fam from heaven, and I’ll keep an eye on them down here. Shotgun one for me up in heaven. Love you Brauny," one person penned.
"Genuinely one of the best guys Ive met, I’ll miss you man, rest up," a second said. "Braun man we love you so much," a third added.
A prayer vigil was held on Sunday evening to honor Levi’s memory and celebrate his life.