Beloved Loyola High Tennis Captain and Maccabi USA Athlete Braun Levi Tragically Killed in Manhattan Beach Crash Involving Suspected Drunk Driver

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — A devastating loss has rocked both the Los Angeles and Maccabi USA communities, as 18-year-old Braun Levi, a standout student-athlete and beloved member of Maccabi USA’s 2022 delegation, tragically died this past weekend after being struck by a suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach.

Levi, a senior at Loyola High School of Los Angeles, was known not only for his remarkable talent on the tennis court but also for his outstanding leadership and character off of it. A four-year varsity starter and team captain, Levi had just celebrated his fourth consecutive league championship win on April 29, 2025, a testament to his dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship.

The fatal accident occurred over the weekend, cutting short the life of a young man described by friends, coaches, and family as “exceptional,” “selfless,” and “full of light.” Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspected drunk driver, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Levi’s contributions extended far beyond athletics. He was a leader on Loyola’s Student Council, an active “Big Brother” mentor within the school community, and a supportive teammate who consistently lifted those around him. He was also a proud representative of Maccabi USA, competing as part of the U16 Tennis Team during the 2022 Maccabiah Games in Israel. There, he not only distinguished himself in competition but also stood out for his boundless team spirit—often cheering just as loudly for others as he did for himself.

His connection to Maccabi USA was shared with his older sister, Adelle Levi, who played on the U18 Girls Soccer Team at the same games. The siblings’ bond and mutual dedication to their sports were widely admired. Maccabi USA released a heartfelt statement saying, “Braun was an enthusiastic and beloved member of our Maccabi family. His energy was contagious, his kindness genuine. We send our deepest condolences to his teammates, friends, and family, especially his sister Adelle and his parents, Jennifer and Daniel Levi.”

Braun had recently made the exciting decision to attend the University of Virginia in the fall, a dream he had been working toward academically and athletically. His tragic passing has not only left a void at Loyola High School but also reverberated across the broader youth sports and Jewish athletic communities.

Loyola High School’s principal, coaches, and student body are expected to hold a memorial in Braun’s honor in the coming days. In the meantime, tributes have poured in on social media, with classmates sharing stories of Levi’s kindness, humility, and ability to inspire those around him.

Coach Brian Held, Braun’s longtime tennis mentor, expressed profound grief, saying, “Braun wasn’t just an athlete—he was the heartbeat of our team. He led with joy, lifted others, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met. We will carry his spirit with us always.”

Community members have also begun organizing memorial scholarships and legacy projects to honor Braun’s memory and ensure his values continue to impact future generations.

As the Loyola and Maccabi communities unite in mourning, Braun Levi’s name will live on as a symbol of excellence, compassion, and leadership—on and off the court.