Manhattan Beach, CA – May 4, 2025 — A profound sense of grief has descended upon the tight-knit community of Manhattan Beach and the Loyola High School family following the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Braun Levi, a beloved student-athlete whose promising life was tragically cut short in a DUI-related crash in the early morning hours of Sunday.
According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, the incident occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m. near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Marine Avenue. Levi, a standout junior at Loyola High School known for his athletic prowess and bright future, was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by another car driven by 33-year-old Jenia Belt of Los Angeles. Authorities confirmed that Belt was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and was later arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene quickly, but Levi succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to the hospital. Two other occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities, where they are currently recovering. Belt was taken into custody at the scene and is being held pending formal charges.
The devastating news of Braun Levi’s death has sent shockwaves through the Loyola High School campus and the wider South Bay community. Known for his humility, discipline, and talent both on and off the field, Levi was a cherished teammate and friend. He played varsity football and ran track, and was widely admired by his peers and coaches for his leadership, work ethic, and kindness.
Loyola High School President Fr. Gregory Goethals released a heartfelt statement Sunday afternoon:
“We are utterly heartbroken by the loss of one of our own, Braun Levi. He was a remarkable young man whose presence brought light to every classroom, practice, and gathering. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Levi family during this unimaginable time. We are a family at Loyola, and today, we mourn together.”
Counselors have been made available on campus for students, faculty, and staff grappling with the emotional weight of this tragedy. A vigil is being planned for this week, where students and community members will gather to honor Levi’s memory and celebrate the life he lived, however brief.
Social media has been flooded with tributes and memories, as classmates, teachers, and neighbors remember Braun as a “gentle giant,” “a true team player,” and “someone who always lifted others up.” Friends describe him as someone who had dreams of playing college football and eventually giving back to the community that raised him.
This incident has also reignited conversations around the dangers of driving under the influence. Manhattan Beach Police Chief Rachel Johnson emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, stating:
“This is a senseless tragedy that should never have happened. DUI crashes are entirely preventable, and we urge everyone to think twice before getting behind the wheel impaired. A life has been lost, and a family is forever changed.”
As the community mourns, support has poured in from local officials, neighboring schools, and civic leaders. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Levi family with funeral expenses and to create a scholarship fund in Braun’s name, ensuring his legacy lives on through the lives of other young student-athletes.
In this time of sorrow, Manhattan Beach and the Loyola High School community stand united in their grief, holding the Levi family close in their hearts. Braun Levi will be remembered not only for his athletic achievements but for the character, compassion, and spirit that defined his too-short life.
In Memoriam: Braun Levi (2007–2025)
“Forever a Cub, forever in our hearts.”
Would you like me to help draft a tribute or statement from a family member, coach, or school official?