June 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Loyola High School Senior Athlete Killed in Suspected DUI Crash in Manhattan Beach

Former Palisades Resident Moved to the South Bay After Losing Home in Fire

Braun Levi, a senior at Loyola High School, who recently clinched his fourth consecutive Mission League doubles championship, was fatally struck around 12:46 a.m. on May 4 while walking with a friend along Sepulveda Boulevard, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

Responding officers found Levi lying near a vehicle in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard. Paramedics transported him to a nearby trauma center, where he was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts.

The driver, identified as 33-year-old Jenia Belt of Los Angeles, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. Authorities said she may face additional charges, including murder. Belt is currently being held without bail at the Manhattan Beach Police Department jail.

Levi’s death has devastated the Loyola High School community and the broader South Bay area. Known for his sportsmanship and academic dedication, Levi had just celebrated another major athletic milestone, his league championship. The victory came after a difficult year for Levi’s family, who relocated to Manhattan Beach after losing their Pacific Palisades home in the January wildfires.

The Levi family released a statement which said, “After losing Braun, there will forever be an emptiness in our hearts – we are choosing to celebrate the extraordinary 19 years we were lucky enough to share with him. Braun lived with a spirit few ever do – always smiling, endlessly curious, and with a hint of mischief. While he was known for his talent on the tennis court and his academic achievements, what made us the most proud was the way he treated others – with kindness, respect, and a light that shined in every room he entered. Trust us, there was never a dull moment with Braun. He will be missed deeply and remembered always. His legacy of joy and generosity will live on in everyone who knew and loved him. Our lives and hearts will never be the same. LLB.”

Loyola Athletics posted a statement as well, which says, “Levi, 18, was a four-year Varsity starter for Loyola Tennis and cemented himself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history, having just won his 4th consecutive league championship on April 29th.

The ultimate team captain, Levi was a true leader throughout our campus, serving as a member of the Student Council, a senior Big Brother, a Kairos retreat leader, and a volleyball team manager, to name a few.

His lovable personality, infectious smile, and boundless energy made him a beloved member of the Loyola community. He was a true Man for and With Others, and we will miss him dearly. We love you, Braun.” 

Police are continuing to investigate the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact Manhattan Beach Traffic Officer Gaunt at (310) 802-5098.

in News
<>Related Posts

Santa Monica Police Arrest Man in Attempted Sexual Assault of 84-Year-Old Woman

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Suspect Charged With Multiple Felonies After Attack Near 6th and Wilshire Police have arrested a Long Beach man in connection...

Multiple Injuries Reported in Windward Ave Collision: REPORT

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Emergency crews closed the affected intersection to secure the area and began cleanup efforts A vehicle collision involving at least...

Florida Congressman to Visit American Legion Palisades for Relief Fundraiser

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

The event aims to support the post’s relief efforts, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the cause Congressman Brian Mast, a...

Malibu to Host Dual Webinars June 17 on Fire Recovery and Wildfire Safety

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Sessions to Inform and Support Residents Facing Fire-Related Challenges Homeowners recovering from the Palisades Fire and residents seeking to prepare...

City of Santa Monica Seeks Applicants for City Boards and Commissions

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Deadline is June 17 for Open Civic Roles on Key City Advisory Boards The deadline is approaching for residents interested...

Second Doctor to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case, Faces Up to 40 Years

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Doctor Admits to Illegally Supplying Ketamine to the Actor and His Assistant One of the physicians charged in connection with...

Santa Monica Releases 2024 Crime Stats, Highlights Safety Advances in New Report

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

The city claims the department launched a 2024-2028 Strategic Plan focusing on innovative policing and staff wellness The City of...

Army Corps Reaches Milestone in Completing in Palisades Debris Removal

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

As of June 15, the effort has cleared debris from an estimated 13,579 eligible parcels The U.S. Army Corps of...

Renovated Riviera Estate Hits Market for $25M

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with natural light, with nearly every room opening to a private deck or patio...

(Video) Home Front Build Maintains Original Architectural Vision For Modern Homes

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

For More Information, Go to homefrontbuild.com For More Information, Go to https://t.co/Ssb4O7uZdu pic.twitter.com/XspARQcKcb — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) June 16,...

(Video Recap) “No Kings” Protest Comes to Downtown Santa Monica

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

Palisades Park was one of a dozen LA locations where protestors took to the streets on Saturday to challenge ICE...

California Offers Mortgage Relief to Homeowners Displaced by Wildfires, Floods

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

CalAssist Mortgage Fund Provides up to $20,000 in Grants for Mortgage Payments California has opened applications for the CalAssist Mortgage...

Water and Sewer Rate Hikes Coming to Santa Monica for Infrastructure Upgrades

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

The rate adjustments will support routine Capital Improvement Projects, address inflation, and enhance water resiliency The Santa Monica City Council...

Senator Alex Padilla Forcibly Removed, Handcuffed at DHS Press Briefing in Los Angeles

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Security or Censorship? Padilla Removed After Questioning Secretary Kristi Noem U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed Thursday during...

Film Review: Ballerina

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

FILM REVIEWBALLERIINARated R125 MinutesReleased June 6th I’m happy to see the contrast in the style of movies playing this summer....