Family of Slain Tennis Prodigy Files Multi-Million Pound Lawsuit
The heartbroken parents of a promising high school tennis star, tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver, have initiated a wrongful death lawsuit seeking $200 million (£160 million). Braun Levi, an 18-year-old celebrated for his athletic prowess, lost his life on 4th May while crossing a street in Manhattan Beach, California with friends.
A Fatal Encounter and a Prior Record
According to court documents, the driver, 33-year-old Jenia Resha Belt, struck Levi with her Infiniti FX35. At the time of the collision, her blood alcohol level was nearly double the legal limit. Compounding the tragedy, Belt was reportedly driving on a suspended licence following a prior DUI arrest.
Belt was arrested at the scene and released from custody on 4th June. However, formal criminal charges have not yet been filed. A spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office stated that specialised prosecutors are monitoring the ongoing investigation.
A Civil Suit for Accountability, Not Vengeance
On 12th November, Levi's parents decided to pursue justice through a civil court, filing the substantial lawsuit. His mother, Jennifer Levi, clarified their motives in a public statement, saying, "This is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance or financial gain. It is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform and the unwavering love we have for Braun."
The legal filing details that Belt had visited a bar in Hermosa Beach and consumed excessive alcohol before choosing to drive. It alleges she was driving at an unsafe speed while intoxicated, causing severe injuries to Levi's body and head that proved fatal.
A Pattern of Dangerous Behaviour
The lawsuit emphasises that Belt was a repeat offender. Court records show she was previously charged with DUI after an incident on 25th November 2023 that involved an injury. In a September 2024 plea deal, those charges were dropped after she pleaded no contest to misdemeanor hit and run. As part of that agreement, her licence was suspended, and she was placed on one year's probation.
The suit argues that, despite this prior warning and being on probation, Belt willfully chose to drive while severely intoxicated, showing a conscious disregard for public safety.
Remembering a Bright Future Cut Short
Braun Levi was the captain of Loyola High School's varsity tennis team and described as one of the programme's most accomplished student-athletes. Merely days before his death, he and his doubles partner, Cooper Schwartz, secured their fourth consecutive Mission League doubles championship.
Levi's future was exceptionally bright; he was set to play tennis at the University of Virginia. Beyond athletics, he was a compassionate leader, having helped create a peer counselling group for students affected by the Palisades fire, a disaster that had also forced his own family to relocate after their home was destroyed.
The Levi family has pledged that all proceeds from the lawsuit will be directed to their Live Like Braun Foundation, which will fund scholarships, support public tennis centres, and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
