A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded early Sunday morning in Manhattan Beach when 18-year-old Braun Levi, a high school senior just weeks away from graduation, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver. The collision, which took place on Sepulveda Boulevard, has left the local community in mourning, with many grappling with the sudden loss of a bright young life taken far too soon.

Braun Levi, who was walking along the 100 block of Sepulveda Boulevard around 12:45 a.m. with a friend, was struck by a vehicle driven by 33-year-old Jenia Belt. According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, Belt was under the influence of alcohol and operating a vehicle with a suspended license at the time of the incident. Levi, despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, was later pronounced dead from the injuries sustained in the crash.

The death of Braun Levi has sent shockwaves through the Loyola High School community, where he was a senior set to graduate in just two weeks. Principal Jamal K. Adams issued a heartfelt statement to the school, expressing his grief over the loss of one of their brightest students. “It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Braun Levi, Class of 2025, who tragically lost his life in a vehicular accident last night,” Adams wrote. “Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched.”

A Life Cut Short: Braun Levi’s Impact on His Community

Braun Levi’s tragic death is compounded by the fact that he was not only an exceptional student but also a dedicated athlete and leader within his school. At Loyola, he was known for his passion and commitment to tennis, serving as a four-year starter and team captain for the school’s tennis team. His leadership on the court mirrored his approach to life, where he earned recognition as one of the most distinguished student-athletes in the school’s history.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Braun was deeply involved in school life and was known for his kindness and compassion toward others. As someone who had experienced personal hardship, his recent efforts to help others were particularly remarkable. Levi’s family had recently relocated to Manhattan Beach after their previous home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. Despite the trauma of losing their home, Braun continued to show resilience and offered his support to others facing similar challenges. He played a crucial role in organizing peer-to-peer counseling for students who had also lost their homes in the fire and worked with administrators to plan an overnight retreat for students in need of emotional support.

In the days following his death, tributes poured in from faculty, classmates, and community members who recalled Braun’s positive influence and his ability to bring people together. His school’s athletic department shared a tribute on Instagram, honoring his legacy as a leader both on and off the tennis court.

The Suspected Driver: Jenia Belt’s Troubling History

The circumstances surrounding Braun Levi’s death have caused outrage within the community, particularly regarding the driver involved, Jenia Belt. Belt, a 33-year-old Los Angeles resident, was arrested shortly after the crash on suspicion of driving under the influence. What has further heightened the anger is the revelation that Belt’s driver’s license had been suspended since January 2024 due to a history of traffic offenses, including a prior DUI charge.

Court records in Los Angeles County reveal that in 2023, Belt was charged with multiple offenses, including a hit-and-run involving property damage and driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Moreover, Belt had either a BAC of 0.15 or greater or refused a chemical sobriety test during a previous incident. The fact that someone with such a concerning driving record was still able to operate a vehicle has left many questioning the effectiveness of the legal system in preventing repeat offenders from getting behind the wheel.

The local community has expressed its frustration over how Belt, with her troubled driving history and suspended license, was still allowed to drive. This tragedy has sparked broader conversations about the need for stricter enforcement of driving laws, especially for individuals with a history of impaired driving. Many have called for increased accountability for drivers who continue to operate vehicles while impaired or with suspended licenses.

Community Response and Vigil in Braun Levi’s Memory

In the wake of Braun Levi’s untimely death, the community has come together to honor his memory. On Sunday evening, family, friends, and community members gathered at the scene of the accident to hold a vigil for Braun. Mourners placed flowers, candles, handwritten notes, and photos at the intersection, reflecting on the young man’s kind nature and positive energy.

One woman at the memorial recalled Braun as “a light, such a friendly, smart, nice, nice kid,” and others echoed similar sentiments, noting that his loss has left a deep void in their lives. His tragic death has left many grappling with the unfairness of losing someone so young, just as he was about to embark on a bright future.

For the Levi family, this tragedy is compounded by their recent struggles. Having lost their home in the Palisades Fire, they had just begun rebuilding their lives in Manhattan Beach. Despite these challenges, Braun had remained steadfast in his commitment to helping others, particularly those who had suffered similar losses. His efforts to organize peer counseling and help students cope with the aftermath of the fire were a testament to his maturity and sense of responsibility.

The Dangers of Impaired Driving: A Stark Reminder

Braun Levi’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every day, nearly 30 people die in the U.S. as a result of alcohol-impaired driving crashes. This amounts to one death every 50 minutes. Despite decades of awareness campaigns and legal reforms, impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal accidents, particularly in cases where the driver has a history of driving under the influence.

The community’s grief has been compounded by the fact that Braun’s life was taken in a preventable accident. Jenia Belt’s previous DUI charges and suspended license serve as a painful reminder of how repeat offenders continue to put lives at risk. Local authorities and organizations are urging lawmakers to take stronger actions to prevent individuals with a history of impaired driving from getting behind the wheel, especially when their licenses have been revoked or suspended.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

As the investigation into the crash continues, the Manhattan Beach Police Department is urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Witnesses or anyone who may have seen Belt’s vehicle before the collision are encouraged to contact the police department at (310) 802-5098. In the meantime, Jenia Belt remains in custody, facing charges related to the fatal crash, including driving under the influence and operating a vehicle with a suspended license.

The legal proceedings surrounding Belt’s case are likely to draw significant attention, particularly given her criminal history and the public outrage surrounding her actions. Many are hopeful that the case will highlight the need for more stringent laws and enforcement regarding impaired driving and driver’s license suspensions.

A Legacy of Compassion: Braun Levi’s Lasting Impact

As the investigation unfolds, Braun Levi’s family, friends, and community members are left to remember the positive impact he made in his short life. His legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether on the tennis court, in the classroom, or helping others through difficult times, Braun’s contributions to his community will not be forgotten.

Braun Levi’s death marks a devastating loss for Manhattan Beach and Loyola High School, where his absence will be deeply felt. His peers, teachers, and coaches remember him as a bright, kind-hearted individual who always put others first. As the community comes together to mourn his loss, they are also committed to honoring his memory by continuing his work to support those in need.

Conclusion: A Reminder of the Fragility of Life

Braun Levi’s death is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching consequences of impaired driving. For a young man who was just on the brink of his future, the accident is a painful loss for his family, friends, and community. As Jenia Belt faces the legal consequences of her actions, the hope is that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of laws and greater awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.

Braun’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched, and the lessons learned from this heartbreaking incident should resonate for years to come. The community of Manhattan Beach will continue to honor Braun’s memory, ensuring that his kindness, spirit, and leadership are not forgotten.