The parents of Braun Levi, a Loyola High School student who was tragically struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver in Manhattan Beach in May, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver. 

"Our family has made the decision to file a civil lawsuit against the individual responsible for taking Braun’s life," said Jennifer Levi, Braun's mother, in a statement. "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."

The Levi family is seeking $200 million in damages, as well as punitive damages, against the defendant. All proceeds from the lawsuit will benefit the Live Like Braun Foundation, which was created to celebrate and honor their son and to raise awareness against the dangers of impaired driving. Jennifer Levi, a Mothers Against Drunk Driving California State Legislative Board member and an advocate for California DUI Sentencing Reform, has made it her mission to support DUI prevention and awareness.

Jennifer and Daniel Levi are represented in the matter by attorneys Spencer Lucas, Bobby Reagan, and Alec Clark of Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP. 

Family Had Relocated to South Bay After Palisades Fire

On May 4, 18-year-old Braun Levi was crossing Sepulveda Boulevard near South 2nd Street in Manhattan Beach when he was violently struck by a silver Infiniti FX35 driven by defendant Jenia Belt. The force of the impact propelled Braun's body down the roadway, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Manhattan Beach Fire Department responded to the collision and transported him to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center for treatment. Despite life-saving measures, Braun succumbed to his injuries.

At the scene, the defendant reportedly admitted to officers that she had been driving the vehicle and had consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel. After failing a field sobriety test, a blood-alcohol test revealed that her blood alcohol content was 0.19%, more than twice the legal limit. A records check also revealed her driver's license had been suspended in 2024 as part of plea deal for a misdemeanor hit-and-run, in which a related DUI charge was dismissed. 

“As a repeat offender, Jenia Belt knew the inherent risks of driving under the influence, and she must be held accountable for her negligence. Not only has she stolen the life of an incredible young man, but she has forever changed the lives of those who loved him," said attorney Spencer Lucas in a statement. "We stand with the Levi family in seeking justice for Braun and creating lasting change by reforming California's DUI laws to prevent tragedies from impaired driving."

The Levi family was new to the South Bay, having moved here after losing their home to the Palisades fire. Following their move, Braun and a classmate established a peer-to-peer counseling group for other students displaced by the fires. 

Braun, an accomplished Loyola High School athlete, had won four consecutive tennis league championships, including three while serving as team captain. Just weeks from high school graduation at the time of his death, Braun had been admitted to the University of Virginia to play tennis.