The tragic death of Braun Levi, a promising high school tennis star from California, has left his parents heartbroken. They have taken legal action by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the alleged drunk driver responsible for fatally hitting him while he was out for a late-night stroll with friends.
Braun Levi, just 18 years old, was walking with a friend in Manhattan Beach around 1 a.m. on May 4 when an Infiniti FX35 driven by 33-year-old Jenia Resha Belt struck him, resulting in his death. Levi, who was due to graduate from Loyola High School in a month’s time, was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
According to court records obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Belt, who was driving with a suspended license following a previous DUI arrest, had a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit at the time of the crash. Although Belt was arrested at the scene, she has yet to be formally charged with a crime related to Levi’s death after being released on June 4.
In response to their grief, Levi’s parents have decided to seek justice through a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit against Belt. The lawsuit aims not for financial gain but for accountability, prevention, reform, and honoring Braun’s memory through the “Live Like Braun Foundation,” a scholarship fund established in his honor.
The lawsuit alleges that Belt consumed excessive amounts of alcohol at a bar before getting behind the wheel, knowingly choosing to operate a vehicle while intoxicated and at an unsafe speed. It also highlights Belt’s prior history of DUI, including a plea deal in September 2024 for a hit-and-run with property damage.
Despite completing classes on the dangers of drunk driving and facing prior legal consequences, Belt’s actions resulted in the tragic loss of Braun Levi’s life. The lawsuit emphasizes the need for accountability and awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.
Before his untimely death, Levi had plans to continue his tennis career at the University of Virginia after graduating from high school. His family had recently relocated to the area following the loss of their home in the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles in January.
The lawsuit filed by Levi’s parents serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of drunk driving and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. Through their advocacy and foundation, they hope to prevent similar tragedies and honor Braun’s memory by promoting safer communities and responsible behavior on the road.
