Tennis Hall of Famer Pam Shriver has joined a heartbroken Los Angeles community in mourning the sudden loss of 18-year-old Braun Levi, a rising high school tennis standout who was killed in a suspected DUI crash in Manhattan Beach.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Shriver reflected on the deep pain her family feels and the irreplaceable void Levi’s death leaves in the local tennis world.
Pam Shriver Pays Tribute to Braun Levi, Calling His Loss a Devastating Blow to L.A. Tennis
Levi, a senior at Loyola High School, was only a month away from graduation when his life was cut short. According to local authorities, the 18-year-old was walking with a friend near Sepulveda Boulevard and Ronda Drive around 12:45 a.m. when he was struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by 33-year-old Jenia Belt, who is now under investigation for driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Levi was transported to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries despite emergency efforts to save him. The news has rippled through the local community, prompting an outpouring of grief from classmates, coaches, and longtime supporters of youth tennis.
Among those deeply affected is Pam Shriver, who took to social media to honor Levi’s memory. In her emotional tribute, she called Levi a “pillar and gem” of LA tennis community. She expressed her family’s deep sadness, highlighting his personal impact on the community.
“Heaven gained an angel today but the Los Angeles tennis community lost a young pilar and gem. It’s hard to express our family’s sadness over the loss of Braun Levi,” Pam Shriver wrote.
Heaven gained an angel today but the Los Angeles tennis community lost a young pilar and gem. It’s hard to express our family’s sadness over the loss of Braun Levi. https://t.co/wUeAo5FfXp
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) May 5, 2025
Braun Levi’s Tragic Death Sends Shockwaves Through Loyola’s Tennis Team and School Community
Levi had already established himself as one of the most accomplished athletes in Loyola’s tennis history. The school’s athletic department shared a tribute on Instagram, highlighting Levi’s impact as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history.
“We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Loyola High School senior, Braun Levi. Levi, 18, was a team captain and 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.”
“Levi was a true leader throughout our campus, serving as a member of the Student Council, a senior Big Brother, Kairos retreat leader and 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.”
View this post on Instagram
“It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Braun Levi, Class of 2025, who tragically lost his life in a vehicular accident last night,” LHS Principal Jamal K. Adams said in a statement. “Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched.”
The Loyola High School community held a candlelight vigil on campus Sunday evening, as students, faculty, and families came together in grief and prayer.
