Loved ones honor 18-year-old killed by suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach

Loved ones and community members came together to honor Braun Levi, 18, a high school senior who was killed by a suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach.

A paddle-out was held on Saturday morning in Manhattan Beach, where many friends and family gathered to catch some waves in Braun’s honor. Many of his friends spoke at the event, remembering his easygoing nature and positive energy.

“He was the one who brought us all together,” a friend said. “He kept us singing and he kept us bright. He might not be here right now, but you can still feel his legacy and we can always live like Braun.”

“A kid who gave his love to everyone so freely and asked for nothing in return,” said another friend. “His impact can be seen by everyone being here today.”

On May 4, Braun was walking with a friend near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Ronda Drive when he was struck by a woman in an SUV around 12:45 a.m.

Manhattan Beach Police responded to the scene where Braun’s body was found on the roadway next to the suspect’s vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital, where despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries.

The driver, Jenia Belt, 33, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and homicide. Her Infiniti SUV had a smashed windshield and notable damage to the hood.

At the time of the crash, court records showed that Belt had been driving on a suspended license due to a previous drunk driving arrest in 2023, the Los Angeles Times reported. 

In that incident, she was sentenced to a year of probation and ordered to make restitution while her license remained suspended.

Braun, whose family had lost their home in the Palisades Fire, was a three-year captain of Loyola High School’s varsity tennis team. He was set to attend the University of Virginia after graduation.  

“He was the type of tennis player that even when you were his competition on the court, off the court, he was friends with everybody,” said his mother, Jennifer Levi.

His family had only moved to Manhattan Beach four months ago when Braun was killed.

An earlier memorial was held at the beach volleyball courts where Braun loved to play. His family was overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up.

“There are hundreds of Manhattan Beach kids there and we’ve only lived here for four months,” said Adelle Levi, Braun’s sister. “That shows the impact that Braun had on people and the type of friends he can make so fast.”

His father, Dan Levi, said his son saw the loss of their Palisades home to the fire as an opportunity to connect with others.

“We all just tried to make the most of losing our house, appreciating the love of our family,” he said. “Braun, specifically, wanted to reach out to all the younger classmates at his high school and help them through the experience.”

On Saturday night, a memorial was held at Loyola High School, where Braun was a standout student who was beloved by his teachers and classmates. Hundreds of loved ones, friends, and community members attended the public event. A choir comprised of his classmates sang in his honor.

“He always played with the highest level of sportsmanship,” a friend said at Saturday night’s memorial. “Every smile he shared left a mark on everyone lucky to know him.”

“Thank you, Braun, for showing me how to love life, be the best kind of friend and take absolutely nothing for granted,” another friend said.

The teen’s family said they plan to start a scholarship fund in his name. As for the suspect, she remains in custody without bail.