Tennis Star Braun Levi killed by suspected drunk driver weeks before Graduation

Braun Levi, a rising tennis star and high school senior, tragically died after being struck by a suspected drunk driver in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Levi, 18, was walking with a friend when he was hit. Authorities responded to the scene and found his body lying in the street. Jenia Belt, 33, has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

The tragedy comes just weeks before Levi was set to graduate from Loyola High School, and only months after his family lost their home in the Pacific Palisades wildfires, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Levi had just secured his fourth league championship as part of the Loyola High School tennis team, and he was preparing to attend the University of Virginia in the fall.

In an emotional tribute, the Loyola Athletics team shared: “Levi was a true leader throughout our campus. He was a true man for and with others, and we will miss him dearly.”

Friend Morgan Hawthorne remembered him in a heartfelt post: “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.”

Brian Held, Levi’s coach and economics teacher, described him as a “unique and special” young man who brought joy wherever he went.

“He was just that type of kid – an all-round leader with an infectious smile,” Held said.

In recent weeks, Levi had shared joyful moments on social media under the caption “Scoop and score,” showing his zest for life — from vacations with friends to competing in the Los Angeles marathon.

Vigils have been held to honor Levi’s memory. At one gathering, a friend told the crowd: “May Braun’s belief in the joy of everyday life and his love for all people inspire us to live each day to the fullest.”

His loss has deeply shaken the local community, and tributes continue to pour in.