Parents Of Tennis Star Killed By DUI Suspect in Manhattan Beach Sue For $200M

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The parents of a high school tennis star killed by a DUI suspect in Manhattan Beach earlier this year are suing the driver for more than $200 million, according to the family’s attorneys.

Braun Levi’s parents are suing driver Jenia Belt for $200 million in damages, as well as punitive damages, the law frim Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP announced in a written statement.

“This is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance, or financial gain,” his mother, Jennifer Levi said. “It is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we have for Braun.”

All proceeds from the wrongful death lawsuit would go toward the Live Like Braun Foundation, which was “created to celebrate and honor their son and to raise awareness against the dangers of impaired driving,” according to the family’s lawyers.

Patch could not immediately reach Belt for comment.

Manhattan Beach police responded to a report of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian just before 1 a.m. Sunday, May 4, the police department announced.

Despite efforts to save the pedestrian, later identified as 18-year-old Braun Levi, he later died at a hospital, police said.

Police said Belt told officers she drank “Moscow mule at a bar in Hermosa Beach before getting into the SUV to drive,” according to court documents obtained by Southern California News group. Belt's blood alcohol content was 0.19%, more than double the legal drinking limit in California, the news outlet reported.

At the time of the crash, Belt was driving on a suspended license, which was part of a plea deal in connection with a 2023 DUI hit-and-run, according to court records obtained by Southern California News Group.

“As a repeat offender, Jenia Belt knew the inherent risks of driving under the influence, and she must be held accountable for her negligence,” the family’s attorney, Spencer Lucas, said in the written statement. “Not only has she stolen the life of an incredible young man, but she has forever changed the lives of those who loved him.”

The Levi family moved to the South Bay after losing their home in the Palisades Fire, the lawyers said.

Braun Levi attended Loyola High School, where he served as the tennis team’s captain, according to the lawyers.

Loyola Athletics referred to him as “one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history, having just won his 4th consecutive league championship on April 29.”

Braun Levi, who had been admitted to the University of Virginia to play tennis,” died just weeks shy of graduation, the attorneys said.

About a month after the deadly crash, Belt was released from jail custody, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s booking log, The Los Angeles Times reported.

In an email to Patch, Zara Lockshin with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Belt has not been formally charged but that an "investigation is ongoing."