Braun Levi, an 18-year-old tennis prodigy from Loyola High School in Los Angeles, tragically passed away on May 4 in a suspected DUI crash in Manhattan Beach. Just days before, Levi had celebrated winning his fourth consecutive Mission League doubles title with his partner, Cooper Schwartz. He was preparing to graduate and head to the University of Virginia.
Levi’s family had recently relocated to South Bay after losing their home in a fire earlier this year. The driver involved in the crash, 33-year-old Jenia Belt, had a suspended license due to a previous DUI conviction and is now being held without bail on charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
The loss of Levi has left the Loyola High School community devastated. He was remembered as a talented athlete, a compassionate leader, and a loyal friend. A candlelight vigil was held in his memory, with tributes pouring in from teammates, classmates, and organizations like Maccabi USA.
Levi is survived by his parents, Daniel and Jennifer, and his sister, Adelle. His untimely death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him. His memory continues to inspire those he touched, both on and off the tennis court.
