Braun Levi, an 18-year-old standout tennis player at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, was killed on May 4 in a suspected DUI crash in Manhattan Beach. The heartbreaking incident occurred just days after Levi had celebrated his fourth straight Mission League doubles championship alongside teammate Cooper Schwartz. He was preparing to graduate and had plans to attend the University of Virginia in the fall.

Levi and his family had recently moved to the South Bay area after their home was destroyed in a fire earlier this year. The suspected driver, 33-year-old Jenia Belt, was reportedly driving on a suspended license tied to a previous DUI conviction. She is now in custody without bail on charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

The Loyola High School community is mourning the loss of a student known not only for his athletic excellence but also for his character. Friends and classmates remember Levi as a kind, driven, and compassionate young man who made a lasting impact on everyone he met. The school held a candlelight vigil in his honor, and tributes have been pouring in, including from national organizations like Maccabi USA.

Levi is survived by his parents, Daniel and Jennifer, and his sister Adelle. His passing is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be — and the importance of treasuring every moment with those we love.