5 Shocking Updates On The Braun Levi Accident: $200 Million Lawsuit And Uncharged Driver

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The tragic death of Braun Levi, an 18-year-old high school tennis star, in a brutal hit-and-run collision continues to make headlines, with the legal fallout intensifying in late 2025. The incident, which occurred on May 4, 2025, in Manhattan Beach, California, has sparked a massive outcry for justice, not only due to the senseless loss of a promising young life but also because of the controversial legal status of the alleged drunk driver. As of the current date, December 20, 2025, the family’s pursuit of accountability has escalated dramatically, thrusting the case back into the national spotlight.

The latest and most significant development revolves around a staggering $200 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Braun Levi's parents against the woman identified as the driver. This aggressive legal action highlights the family’s determination to secure justice and shine a light on the perceived failures of the criminal justice system, especially concerning the lack of criminal charges filed against the suspect months after the fatal crash.

The Life and Legacy of Braun Levi: A Shining Presence

Braun Levi, a resident of Pacific Palisades, was much more than just a victim of a tragic pedestrian collision. He was an extraordinary and radiant soul whose impact was felt deeply across the Loyola High School community and beyond.

  • Full Name: Braun Levi
  • Age at Death: 18
  • Hometown: Pacific Palisades, California
  • High School: Loyola High School (Class of 2025)
  • Athletic Career: Standout Varsity Tennis Star (described as "legendary" within the school's athletic history).
  • Academic/Leadership Roles: Exceptional student, Senior Class Big Brother, Student Council member, Kairos retreat leader, and Volleyball Team Manager.
  • Character: Remembered as a scholar, athlete, devoted teammate, and a "shining presence" who was a source of light and inspiration.
  • Legacy: The "Live Like Braun" (#LLB) movement and foundation were established to honor his memory and lasting positive impact.

Levi was on the cusp of graduation, with his entire future ahead of him. His dedication to his teammates, his leadership qualities, and his academic excellence made him a universally beloved figure. His loss is described by those who knew him as an irreplaceable void.

The Fatal Manhattan Beach Hit-and-Run Incident Details

The devastating DUI crash occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Manhattan Beach, California.

Braun Levi was reportedly crossing Sepulveda Boulevard near 2nd Street when he was violently struck by a vehicle.

The vehicle involved was identified as a silver Infiniti FX35. The driver of the vehicle did not stop, making the incident a hit-and-run immediately following the impact.

Investigators quickly identified the alleged driver as 33-year-old Jenia Belt. Reports indicate that Belt was driving at a high rate of speed and was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Her blood alcohol content (BAC) was later reported to be significantly over the legal limit.

The location of the accident, Sepulveda Boulevard, has been tragically noted by local news outlets as a particularly dangerous stretch of road in the area, with Braun Levi being another young victim in a series of fatal accidents there.

The Shocking Legal Aftermath: Uncharged Driver and $200 Million Suit

The most compelling and controversial aspect of the Braun Levi accident is the protracted legal process and the lack of criminal charges.

The Status of the Alleged Drunk Driver

Despite the severity of the incident, the identification of the driver (Jenia Belt), and evidence suggesting she was driving under the influence (DUI) with a high BAC, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has faced intense scrutiny for its handling of the case. As of November 2025, more than six months after the fatal crash, the alleged driver had still not been criminally charged for the deadly collision.

This delay in prosecution has been a major source of pain and frustration for the Levi family and the surrounding community, fueling public outrage over the perceived leniency toward the suspect in a fatal DUI crash case.

The $200 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In a powerful move to seek accountability outside of the stalled criminal process, Braun Levi’s parents, Jennifer and Daniel Levi, filed a massive $200 million wrongful death lawsuit against Jenia Belt in May 2025.

This civil lawsuit is a direct challenge to the alleged driver and aims to hold her financially responsible for the immense grief, loss, and suffering caused by her actions. The suit alleges negligence, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

The $200 million suit is one of the largest of its kind, reflecting the unparalleled value the family places on the life and future of their son, a promising young man whose life was cut short. It is a clear statement that the family will not rest until justice is served, in both the criminal and civil courts.

The civil case can proceed independently of the criminal case, offering the family a path to resolution and a measure of justice even if the criminal charges remain delayed or are ultimately lessened. The outcome of this high-profile wrongful death lawsuit will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases involving uncharged DUI drivers are handled in the future.

The "Live Like Braun" Movement and Community Response

In the wake of the tragedy, the community rallied around the Levi family, creating the "Live Like Braun" (LLB) movement. This initiative is a testament to the enduring positive energy and spirit of Braun Levi.

The LLB foundation and movement aim to keep his memory alive by promoting the values and characteristics that defined him: kindness, leadership, passion, and loyalty. The phrase "Live Like Braun" serves as a daily mantra for his friends, teammates, and family, encouraging them to approach life with the same enthusiasm and commitment that Braun demonstrated.

Fundraisers and memorial events have been held to support the foundation's goals, which often include supporting youth athletics and leadership programs. The widespread support for the movement underscores the profound impact the Loyola High School tennis star had on everyone he met.

The Braun Levi accident has evolved from a tragic single-car incident into a significant legal and community battle. The family’s pursuit of a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit and their public demand for criminal charges against the alleged drunk driver, Jenia Belt, ensure that this case remains a crucial topic in the conversation about public safety and legal accountability on California roads. The community continues to mourn the loss of a bright young man while simultaneously fighting for a legacy of justice in his name.

5 Shocking Updates on the Braun Levi Accident: $200 Million Lawsuit and Uncharged Driver
braun levi accident
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