Pacific Palisades resident Braun Levi, 18, was walking on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach after midnight on Sunday, May 4, when he was struck and killed by Jenia Bolt, 33. She was arrested and charged on one count of murder and driving under the influence.
Braun was much beloved by teachers and classmates at Loyola and friends wrote accolades and tributes to him on social media.
In an email to students and staff, Loyola Principal Jamal Adams said, ““Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family,” Adams wrote, “bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched.”
One message on social media described Braun “Whether you were lucky enough to cross paths with him for an hour or a lifetime, he left an impression. It was impossible to be sad or bored whenever Braun was around, and his gift for lifting those around him was truly singular.”
Braun a senior at Loyola High School had days ago, won the Mission League doubles championship with teammate Cooper Schwartz. It was Braun’s fourth straight league double championships. The two were scheduled to play this Friday in the Southern Section Open Division tennis playoffs.
Slated to attend University of Virginia after graduation, Braun was moving into the top national ranks of boys’ tennis. He had been the three-year captain of the Loyola tennis team.
Brian Held, the coach of the Loyola varsity tennis team and Braun’s AP Economics and Statistics teacher told the L.A. Times in an email that “We are all stunned, devastated and heartbroken with this tragedy. Braun was the most amazing, all-around leader, whom everyone loved, even his opponents. He was just that type of kid — unique and special. As one of his teachers, I witnessed how he brought joy to everyone.”
Braun, the son of Dr. Dan Levi and Jen, and brother to older sister Adelle, grew up in Pacific Palisades and attended Corpus Christi. The family’s home burned during the Palisades Fire, which necessitated the move to the South Bay, where the accident happened.
The Levi family issued a heartfelt statement Monday:
“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. His 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 High School held a prayer vigil for the campus community on Sunday evening. A video of the prayer vigil can be seen here.
May everyone in Pacific Palisades support the family and keep them and Braun alive in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
What a tragic loss. I cannot even imagine what your family is going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
I am so sorry. I just read about Braun and am so shaken I can’t find words. Your statement is beautiful. I enjoyed Braun on the bocce court. I write here to let you know there is one more family holding space for your pain and praying for you.
I would love to see the Palisades Tennis Center or Rec Center/Park renamed in loving memory for this extraordinary young man. In that way, his spirit will continue to inspire countless others in his beloved Pacific Palisades. How do we go about making this happen? My deepest condolences; we grieve together, collectively, as one community.
Dear Family,
My son Sam Rubin and Allegra Rubin
Who lived in the Palisades with their grown children extend their condolences to your family at this difficult time . May God protect your son and may he be remembered for all he accomplished in his young life . Fondly. , Suzanne Rubin ( the grandmother of
Sofia Rubin and Maxwell Rubin)