Students and staff at Loyola High School in the Pico Union area of Los Angeles are mourning their senior classmates and tennis team captain who were killed over the weekend when they were attacked by a suspected DUI in Manhattan Beach.
The school’s outstanding tennis player, 18-year-old Braun Levi, was walking down Sepulveda Boulevard, when he graduated at about 12:45am on Sunday.
Flowers, photographs and other items were left at the memorial at the crash site. In a tribute posted to the school’s Instagram account, Brown was described as a leader involved in many activities at the preparatory high school at the private Roman Catholic University.
“We are heartbroken by sharing the news that senior Brown Levy at Loyola High School has passed,” the school said. “Levi is a true leader across our campus, serving as student council member, senior Big Brother, Cairos Retreat Leader and Volleyball Team Manager.
“His adorable personality, infectious smile and infinite energy made him a beloved member of the Loyola community. He is a true man of others and we miss him so deeply.”
A prayer vigil was held on campus on Sunday nights. Father John Quinn said the vigil is a powerful and emotional unity over immeasurable losses for the Loyola High School community.
“Brown organized the strong Loyola hideaway we had for students whose families lost their homes to the Palisades fire,” Father Quinn said. “He himself lost his home to the Palisades.
The students lament their classmates at Loyola High School. Michelle Valles is reporting NBC4 News at 11am on Monday, May 5, 2025.
“A person who loved this school so close to graduation was quickly taken away from us.”
The family moved to Manhattan Beach after a wildfire in January destroyed their home, Quinn said.
“Not only tennis, he’s just a great teammate because if I did a bad shot, he’s just a great teammate,” said teammate Kiran Spring.
Reports say Brown was ranked nationally at the University of Virginia and was detained.
The 33-year-old woman was arrested at the scene of a crash on Sunday on suspicion of DUI. Court records show that the driver was identified as Jenia Resha Belt and was on probation at the time of the crash.
According to court documents, Belt was arrested in November 2023 in a misdemeanor case in connection with a hit and run that caused property damage.
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