Introduction: A Life Full of Promise
Braun Levi was an 18-year-old senior at Loyola High School in Manhattan Beach, California. From an early age, he demonstrated leadership, empathy, and an ability to inspire those around him. As captain of the varsity tennis team, a senior Big Brother, and a Kairos retreat leader, Braun’s influence extended beyond athletics to every corner of his school community. He also contributed as volleyball team manager and student council member, showing a remarkable ability to balance academics, sports, and social responsibility.
Braun’s energy and charisma were infectious. His peers admired him not only for his athletic achievements but also for his kindness and compassion. Surviving the Palisades Fire, which destroyed his family home, demonstrated his resilience and ability to face adversity with courage. Despite challenges, Braun remained focused on supporting his friends, family, and community, always seeking ways to make a positive impact. Tragically, Braun’s life was cut short on May 4, 2025, in a fatal crash involving a suspected drunk driver on Sepulveda Boulevard. This incident shook the community but also sparked initiatives to preserve his memory and promote awareness of traffic safety.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Braun Levi |
| Age | 18 years old |
| Location | Manhattan Beach, California |
| School | Loyola High School |
| Academic Achievements | Senior student, active in student council, Kairos retreat leader |
| Sports | Varsity tennis captain, volleyball team manager, four consecutive league championships, USTA Youth Leadership Council participant |
| Leadership Roles | Senior Big Brother, peer mentor, team captain, community volunteer |
| Character Traits | Kind, empathetic, resilient, supportive, inclusive, uplifting presence |
| Community Impact | Created a positive school culture, mentor to younger students, peer-to-peer support initiatives |
| Tragic Incident | Killed on May 4, 2025, by suspected drunk driver |
| Foundation | “Live Like Braun” Foundation – promotes impaired driving awareness, scholarships, youth leadership programs, public tennis centers |
| Family & Personal Life | Survived Palisades Fire that destroyed family home, close family bonds, community-oriented |
| Legacy | Scholarships, memorial tennis tournaments, paddle-out ceremonies, peer leadership programs, inspiration for traffic safety and community engagement |
| Personality & Influence | Charismatic, radiant energy, motivational leader, mentor, compassionate friend, joyful spirit |
| Future Plans | Planned to attend University of Virginia for academics and athletics, leadership development |
Early Life and Family Background
Braun Levi was raised in a supportive family that valued education, responsibility, and empathy. From a young age, he displayed remarkable intelligence, curiosity, and emotional maturity. Family members remember him as joyful, caring, and disciplined, someone who could inspire and uplift others even in challenging circumstances. Surviving the Palisades Fire, which destroyed his family home, taught Braun resilience and compassion. Instead of succumbing to despair, he helped his family rebuild and encouraged friends who were affected by the disaster.
His upbringing shaped his approach to life and leadership. Braun exhibited a natural ability to connect with people, showing empathy and understanding that went beyond his years. Whether helping siblings, classmates, or neighbors, he consistently demonstrated generosity and responsibility. His parents instilled in him the importance of education, service, and integrity, values that guided him throughout his life. This foundation contributed to his exceptional character and set the stage for the remarkable legacy he would leave behind.
High School Journey and Achievements
At Loyola High School, Braun excelled academically, socially, and athletically. He maintained strong grades while fully participating in sports, student leadership, and volunteer initiatives. As captain of the varsity tennis team, he led with strategic insight, encouragement, and determination, earning respect from teammates and competitors alike. His leadership helped the team secure four consecutive league championships and established a culture of teamwork, inclusivity, and commitment.
In addition to tennis, Braun served as a senior Big Brother, mentoring younger students and helping them navigate academic, social, and personal challenges. He was also a Kairos retreat leader, facilitating reflective sessions that emphasized leadership, personal growth, and community values. His role as volleyball team manager highlighted his dedication to supporting others, ensuring that teammates received guidance, encouragement, and recognition. Braun’s multifaceted involvement reflected his belief that leadership is rooted in service, empathy, and encouragement.
Teachers and coaches praised his ability to balance responsibilities while maintaining positivity and focus. He was not only a student-athlete but also a mentor, friend, and role model who inspired others to strive for excellence in academics, sports, and personal development.
Athletic Legacy and Leadership On and Off the Court
Braun’s athletic contributions went far beyond personal achievements. As tennis captain, he motivated his teammates, organized practices, and strategized for tournaments, demonstrating leadership and teamwork. He played with dedication and focus, helping Loyola Tennis achieve recognition at local and regional levels. His athletic influence extended beyond the court through his work with the USTA Youth Leadership Council, advocating for sportsmanship, peer mentorship, and student leadership.
Even in routine practices, Braun’s encouragement and guidance elevated the performance and morale of his teammates. Younger athletes looked up to him for his skill, discipline, and positivity. His leadership style combined competitiveness with empathy, creating an environment where every team member felt valued and supported. The lessons Braun imparted—teamwork, resilience, and integrity—continue to shape the culture of Loyola High School Athletics.
Personality and Character
Braun Levi was admired for his radiant personality, kindness, and uplifting presence. He had a natural ability to make others feel appreciated, supported, and motivated. His infectious smile and energy brightened classrooms, sports fields, and social gatherings alike. Braun was approachable, inclusive, and empathetic, making everyone around him feel heard and valued.
He consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting peers through mentorship, volunteer work, and leadership programs. Braun’s participation in peer-to-peer support retreats exemplified his desire to create environments where young people could thrive, learn, and feel safe. His personality combined humility, determination, and generosity, making him a trusted friend, mentor, and leader. The profound effect he had on those around him was a testament to his authenticity, compassion, and innate leadership qualities.
The Tragic Incident: A Life Cut Short
On May 4, 2025, Braun’s life ended abruptly due to a fatal collision caused by a suspected drunk driver. The crash occurred on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach, claiming the life of a young man whose presence touched so many. Police confirmed that the driver’s blood alcohol level was significantly above the legal limit.
The news devastated the community, particularly his friends, teammates, and school. His death highlighted the dangers of impaired driving and emphasized the importance of public awareness and preventive measures. The tragic loss spurred immediate reflection among students, parents, and educators, inspiring initiatives to educate young people about traffic safety and responsible behavior.
Braun’s passing underscored how a single reckless act could impact an entire community. His story became a focal point for grief, activism, and remembrance, demonstrating that even in tragedy, a life of leadership and kindness can leave a lasting impact.
Community Mourning and Response
Following Braun’s death, the Loyola High School community and broader Manhattan Beach area came together to honor his life. Prayer vigils, memorial ceremonies, and social media campaigns celebrated his achievements, leadership, and character. Friends, teachers, and community members participated in a paddle-out ceremony at the beach, honoring his love for the ocean, tennis, and life itself.
Fundraising efforts, scholarship funds, and public tennis center projects were initiated to commemorate Braun’s legacy. Community members rallied to support his family and peers, channeling grief into programs that promoted awareness of impaired driving, youth leadership, and mentorship. Emotional tributes highlighted his influence on the school community, with countless stories of encouragement, support, and friendship shared publicly.
Live Like Braun Foundation and Legacy Projects
To preserve Braun’s legacy, the “Live Like Braun” Foundation was established. Its mission includes raising awareness about impaired driving, funding scholarships, and supporting public tennis centers. The foundation organizes peer-to-peer leadership retreats and educational programs for students, continuing Braun’s commitment to mentoring and inspiring others.
Programs focus on promoting community engagement, teamwork, and resilience. Scholarships awarded in Braun’s name enable young athletes and students to pursue education while upholding values of leadership and service. Memorial events, including tennis tournaments and beach ceremonies, allow the community to celebrate Braun’s life while raising funds and awareness.
The foundation exemplifies how Braun’s influence continues to impact lives beyond his own, providing guidance, support, and inspiration to future generations. His story serves as a beacon of leadership, compassion, and responsibility.
Academic Aspirations and Future Plans
Braun had plans to attend the University of Virginia, where he intended to continue his academic and athletic pursuits. His goal was to combine intellectual growth with leadership development, contributing to his community through both personal achievements and mentorship. Teachers described him as disciplined, motivated, and eager to make a difference.
His academic success reflected a commitment to learning, curiosity, and responsibility. Braun balanced schoolwork with extracurricular activities and athletics, demonstrating time management, focus, and perseverance. His aspirations extended beyond personal success; he aimed to uplift others, foster community, and inspire peers to pursue their goals with integrity and passion.
Impact on Peers and School Culture
Braun Levi’s presence shaped the culture of Loyola High School. His encouragement, leadership, and mentoring inspired students to engage in leadership programs, athletics, and volunteer initiatives. He promoted inclusivity, sportsmanship, and mutual support, creating a positive environment that resonated throughout the school.
Teammates recall his ability to elevate morale, guide younger students, and create a sense of belonging. Whether on the tennis court, in classrooms, or at school events, Braun’s influence fostered collaboration, resilience, and personal growth. His legacy continues to inspire students and faculty to uphold the values he embodied: kindness, leadership, and community service.
Athletic Excellence and Recognition
Braun’s achievements in tennis and volleyball earned him recognition locally and nationally. He played in nationally ranked tournaments and led his teams to league victories. His dedication to athletics exemplified his commitment to discipline, teamwork, and personal development.
Beyond victories, Braun was celebrated for his mentoring, encouragement, and leadership. His ability to combine talent with guidance created a lasting influence that extended beyond trophies or awards. Coaches and fellow athletes highlight his strategic insight, resilience under pressure, and motivational skills, emphasizing the holistic nature of his athletic excellence.
Personal Qualities and Character Legacy
Braun’s personal qualities—empathy, integrity, positivity—continue to inspire. His actions, whether mentoring younger students, supporting teammates, or volunteering, reflected a commitment to making the world better. Braun balanced humility with leadership, ambition with compassion, and dedication with joy.
Friends and family consistently describe him as someone who made everyone feel valued. His character left a lasting imprint, not only on school culture but also on the broader community. Braun’s life serves as a model of how one person’s values, actions, and influence can create meaningful, enduring change.
Memorials and Community Events
Memorial events for Braun include paddle-out ceremonies, tennis tournaments, prayer vigils, and scholarship awards. The “Live Like Braun” Foundation organizes these events to celebrate his life, raise funds, and promote awareness about impaired driving. Families, friends, and community members participate, sharing stories and honoring his legacy.
These events also provide educational opportunities for students to learn about leadership, responsibility, and community engagement. They serve as a living testament to Braun’s impact, ensuring his values and influence continue to inspire future generations.
Lessons from Braun Levi’s Life
Braun’s life teaches multiple lessons about leadership, empathy, and community responsibility. His resilience in the face of adversity, commitment to mentoring, and dedication to academics and athletics show that true leadership combines skill, compassion, and service.
The tragedy of his death underscores the importance of impaired driving awareness, community vigilance, and youth education. Braun’s story encourages proactive engagement, mentorship, and the cultivation of positive environments for peers and younger generations.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership and Inspiration
Though Braun Levi’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy endures. He inspired friends, peers, and the broader community through his leadership, character, and dedication. The initiatives established in his name, the foundation, memorials, and scholarships all carry forward his values.
Braun’s life reminds us of the power of empathy, resilience, and mentorship. His story continues to influence students, athletes, and communities, proving that even a life shortened too soon can leave an enduring impact. His leadership, joy, and unwavering support for others remain a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating how one individual can truly change the world around them.
FAQs
Who was Braun Levi?
Braun Levi was an 18-year-old senior at Loyola High School, a student-athlete, and a community leader who tragically died in a car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver.
What is the Live Like Braun Foundation?
It is a foundation established to honor Braun’s legacy, promote impaired driving awareness, fund scholarships, and organize community and youth leadership initiatives.
When did Braun Levi pass away?
Braun passed away on May 4, 2025, in Manhattan Beach, California.
How is Braun remembered in the community?
He is remembered through memorial events, paddle-out ceremonies, scholarships, and ongoing community programs inspired by his life and leadership.
What were Braun Levi’s major accomplishments?
He was a varsity tennis captain, student council member, Kairos retreat leader, senior Big Brother, and active participant in USTA Youth Leadership Council, leaving a lasting impact on peers and community.
