Braun Levi, Loyola High School Tennis Captain and Honor Student, Tragically Killed in Manhattan Beach DUI Crash Weeks Before Graduation
Family, friends, and the greater Loyola High School community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Braun Levi, a bright, beloved 17-year-old senior and captain of the school’s varsity tennis team, who was tragically killed in a suspected DUI crash in Manhattan Beach late Monday night. Levi, an honor roll student known for his leadership, empathy, and fierce commitment both on and off the court, had been eagerly anticipating his graduation just weeks away.
A Promising Life Cut Short
According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, the fatal crash occurred shortly before midnight on a stretch of Pacific Coast Highway. Levi was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by a suspected drunk driver traveling at high speed. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, but Levi succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision and was pronounced dead on site.
The driver of the other vehicle, whose name has not yet been publicly released by authorities, was arrested at the scene and is now facing multiple charges, including felony DUI, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and reckless endangerment. Investigators have stated that the suspect exhibited signs of impairment, and preliminary toxicology reports are pending.
The Victim: A Scholar, Athlete, and Friend
Braun Levi was no ordinary student. Teachers and classmates describe him as a rare blend of academic excellence and athletic prowess. A consistent straight-A student, Braun was enrolled in several Advanced Placement courses and had recently committed to attending Stanford University in the fall, where he planned to study Biomedical Engineering.
“He was the type of student who made teaching a joy,” said Mrs. Elaine Crawford, Levi’s AP Biology teacher. “He would stay after class just to ask deeper questions—not just about the material, but about the world.”
On the tennis court, Levi served as a quiet but powerful leader. As captain of the varsity team, he was admired not just for his skill—he held the school record for most career singles wins—but also for his humility and sportsmanship.
“Braun led with kindness and conviction,” said Coach Aaron Delgado. “He always made sure the younger players felt seen and supported. He knew how to lift everyone around him.”
Community in Mourning
The news of Levi’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the Loyola High School community and beyond. On Tuesday morning, school administrators gathered students in an all-school assembly in the gymnasium, where counselors were made available to offer support.
“Today we lost one of our brightest lights,” said Principal Thomas Reagan during the assembly, visibly shaken. “Braun embodied what it meant to be a Loyola Cub: a man for and with others. His legacy will live on in every hallway, classroom, and tennis court on our campus.”
An impromptu memorial has taken shape near the school’s tennis courts, where dozens of students, parents, and faculty have left flowers, handwritten notes, and tennis balls with messages like “Forever Our Captain” and “Win it for Braun.” A candlelight vigil is planned for Friday evening.
Friends Speak Out
Many of Levi’s classmates have taken to social media to express their grief and honor his memory.
“I don’t know how we’re supposed to graduate without you, Braun,” wrote fellow senior Emma Sanchez on Instagram. “You were our glue.”
“He was the guy who made sure no one sat alone at lunch,” added classmate Jordan Fields. “We lost a true brother.”
A group of Levi’s closest friends has also started a scholarship fund in his name to support future Loyola students who embody his qualities: leadership, kindness, and intellectual curiosity. Within 24 hours, the fund had already raised over $30,000.
Family Devastated by Loss
Levi’s parents, David and Michelle Levi, released a statement Tuesday afternoon, asking for privacy as they grieve their only child.
“Braun was our everything,” the statement read. “He brought joy, purpose, and unconditional love into our lives every single day. We are devastated beyond words. We ask the community to remember him not for the way he died, but for the way he lived—with heart, with hope, and with honor.”
Family friends say the Levis had just recently returned from a college visit to Stanford, where Braun had excitedly toured the engineering labs and picked out his freshman dorm preferences.
A Broader Tragedy: The Toll of DUI Crashes
Levi’s death is the latest reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 13,000 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2022 alone—a figure that continues to climb despite awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement measures.
“Every DUI fatality is 100% preventable,” said Monica Gilroy, Director of the California Coalition Against Drunk Driving. “This is not just a statistic. This is a young man with dreams, a family, a community. And now, they are forever changed.”
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
The Manhattan Beach Police Department confirmed that the suspect in the crash is a 24-year-old male from Torrance, CA. Authorities say the individual has a prior record of misdemeanor alcohol-related offenses and was driving on a suspended license at the time of the collision.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office is expected to file formal charges by the end of the week. Prosecutors are currently reviewing dashcam and surveillance footage, as well as statements from eyewitnesses.
“This case is being taken with the utmost seriousness,” said ADA Lisa Chung. “We owe it to Braun, his family, and the entire community to pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
A School’s Commitment to Action
In the wake of the tragedy, Loyola High School has announced several initiatives aimed at preventing future tragedies. The school plans to partner with local nonprofits to expand its student education around the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making responsible choices.
“There is no bringing Braun back,” Principal Reagan said. “But we can—and we must—honor him by educating others, by making sure this never happens again.”
The school is also establishing the “Braun Levi Leadership Award,” to be given annually to a senior who exemplifies the values Levi held dear.
Moving Forward
For the seniors of Loyola High School, what was supposed to be a time of celebration and looking ahead has now been marked by sorrow and remembrance.
“This changes everything,” said senior class president Malik Robinson. “But we will walk across that graduation stage with Braun in our hearts. We will carry his legacy forward.”
Braun Levi’s funeral is scheduled for next Wednesday at Holy Family Church in Pasadena. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Braun Levi Memorial Scholarship Fund.
