Back in May this year, the tennis world was shaken by a tragic accident as Braun Levi, an 18-year-old high school senior, died after being struck, according to reports from The Los Angeles Times and ABC7. The news deeply affected the tennis community as Hall of Famer Pam Shriver shared her grief, writing, “Heaven gained an angel today but the Los Angeles tennis community lost a young pilar and gem. It’s hard to express our family’s sadness over the loss of Braun Levi.” Now, months later, the tragedy has resurfaced again as Levi’s parents have filed a lawsuit, bringing renewed attention to the heartbreaking incident.
Months after the tragic accident, Levi’s parents have taken legal action. They filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the alleged drunk driver, Jenia Resha Belt, 33, and are seeking $200 million in damages for the ‘Live Like Braun Foundation’ launched by the parents themselves. Belt has not commented publicly. Levi’s mother, Jennifer Levi, added, “Our family has made the decision to file a civil lawsuit against the individual responsible for taking Braun’s life. 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.”
Details from the crash have also resurfaced. According to court records, Belt allegedly struck Levi around 12:46 a.m. on May 4 and had a blood alcohol level nearly two times of the legal limit. She was reportedly driving on a suspended license from a previous DUI arrest.
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Police arrested Belt at the scene near Sepulveda Boulevard and Second Street in Manhattan Beach. She was later released from custody on June 4. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed.
The lawsuit also claims that Belt consumed “excessive quantities of alcohol” at a bar in Hermosa Beach before driving. After the collision, 4 passengers in her car allegedly fled the scene. Court documents show Belt had a prior DUI case from November 25, 2023, and records from the state DMV indicate she was not legally allowed to drive.
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The loss has deeply affected the community. Levi was a senior at Loyola High School and was well known in the tennis world. He was a nationally ranked player, a 4-time Mission League doubles champion, and had earned a spot at the University of Virginia for the fall.
His future was full of promise, but the accident happened just one month before his graduation. The lawsuit now brings renewed attention to the loss and highlights the pain his family continues to carry.
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For many, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing dangers of drunk driving and the lasting impact it can have on families and communities.