A California high school tennis player was killed by a drunk driver just months after his family’s home was scorched and destroyed by the Los Angeles Palisades Fire.
Braun Levi, 18, was struck dead while crossing the street with a friend at around 12:45am on Sunday in Manhattan Beach.
Police rushed to the scene, finding the Loyola High School student lying in the street.
Levi was taken to a local hospital and succumbed to his critical injuries despite life-saving efforts.
The alleged reckless driver, Jenia Belt, 33, of Los Angeles, was booked on suspicion of DUI and homicide, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
Belt was arrested at the scene fatal crash and taken into custody at Manhattan Beach County Jail, where she is being held without bail.
Crime scene footage obtained by KTLA 5 showed the harrowing aftermath, including Belt’s car’s shattered windshield behind yellow crime scene tape.
The crop top-wearing suspect was seen in handcuffs as police dragged her into a cop car. The incident is under ongoing investigation.
Braun Levi (second from left), 18, was struck dead while crossing the street with a friend at around 12:45am on Sunday in Manhattan Beach
Levi (pictured) was taken to a local hospital and succumbed to his critical injuries despite live-saving efforts
Levi (pictured) was set to attend the University of Virginia in the fall and had won four tennis matches in a row before he died
The alleged reckless driver, Jenia Belt (pictured), 33, of Los Angeles , was booked on suspicion of DUI and homicide, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department
The tight-knit Loyola community has been grappling with his tragic death, with school staff and peers sharing heartbreaking tributes to honor Levi (pictured)
The all-boys Catholic high school senior was set to attend the University of Virginia in the fall.
Loyola High School is one of the top-ranked Jesuit academic institutions in Los Angeles. The yearly tuition is roughly $27,000, according to the school’s website.
Levi was the captain of the varsity tennis team and ‘one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history,’ according at statement from the school’s athletics department.
He and his tennis partner, Cooper Schwartz, had won the Mission League doubles championship just days before he was killed. This was the star athlete’s fourth big win in a row.
The tight-knit Loyola community has been grappling with his tragic death, with school staff and Levi’s peers sharing heartbreaking tributes to honor him.
‘Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family,’ Loyola Principal Jamal Adams wrote in an email to the school’s families to announce Levi’s passing, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The crash site has been converted into a memorial for the standout teen, adorned with flowers and pictures left by tearful loved ones.
Crowley Sullivan, one of Levi’s close friends, described him as outgoing and ambitious.
Levi (second from left) was the captain of the varsity tennis team and ‘one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history,’ according at statement from the school’s athletics department
Levi’s sister, Adelle Levi (right), has spoken out about her little brother’s death in a tear-jerking message about how much she appreciated their time together
Levi (right) was described as an athletic high school student with a bright future ahead
Belt’s car (pictured in front of her home) was seen with a shattered windshield and heavy front damage after the crash
‘I don’t even know what’s to say right now. You are my friend, my brother, my family, but more importantly, you are a way of life,’ Sullivan wrote on Instagram.
‘You pushed every single day of your life to make it the best day ever. You impacted every single person you interacted with in such a positive and unique way that you truly made a difference in this world.’
Ole Miss Football Head Coach Lane Kiffin’s daughter, Presley Kiffin, posted photos of Levi on her social media, writing: ‘To the best heart and soul. We love you always and forever.’
Levi’s own social media accounts told the story of the vibrant life he led – featuring a selfie with Adam Sandler and several smiling photos with his friends and teammates.
Levi’s sister, Adelle Levi, spoke out about her little brother’s death in a tear-jerking message about how much she appreciated their time together.
‘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,’ she wrote.
‘You are deeply loved, and words can’t begin to express how much you’ll be missed.’
This unimaginable loss comes after the Levi family’s Pacific Palisades home was burned down during January wildfires that wreaked havoc on the wealthy Los Angeles community.
Levi (right) and his tennis partner, Cooper Schwartz (left), had won the Mission League doubles championship just days before he was killed
Levi’s own social media accounts told the story of the vibrant life he lead – featuring a selfie with Adam Sandler (pictured) and several smiling photos with his friends and teammates
Crowley Sullivan (right), one of Levi’s (left) close friends, described him as outgoing and ambitious
This unimaginable loss comes after the Levi family’s Pacific Palisades home (pictured) was burned down during January wildfires that wreaked havoc on the wealthy Los Angeles community
According to Zillow estimates, the home’s approximate value was $3.2 million to $4.1 million.
The Palisades fire ravaged roughly 6,800 structures on its own. Combined with the devastation caused by the simultaneously burning Eaton Fire, about 16,000 buildings were wrecked.
Since being forced out of their gorgeous home, the family has relocated to the South Bay, the LA Times reported.
