“She was able to sweep me under the rug and abuse me and then cover it all up.”
Braun Levi was just weeks away from graduating high school when his life was tragically cut short.
The 18-year-old nationally ranked Tennis player was reportedly killed in a car accident involving a suspected drunk driver on May 4, USA Today reported at the time.
In a press released shared by the Manhattan Beach Police Department, police responded to the accident involving a pedestrian and a car during the early morning hours of that Sunday in May.
Life saving efforts were performed on the pedestrian, now identified as Braun Levi, on scene. The Loyola High School senior was later pronounced dead after succumbing to his injuries.
In a statement shared by his school’s Principal Jamal Adams, Braun was expected to attend the University of Virginia in the fall.
"In every way, he was exceptional. He was an exceptional student, a killer athlete, one of the best tennis players in our school," Adams told USA TODAY. "He was a humble young man who did a great job of highlighting and bringing joy to the people around him. He was a stellar part of the community."
Four days before his death, Braun won his “fourth consecutive league championship on April 29,” USA Today reported, “himself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history," a post shared by Loyola Athletics said.
In honor of her son, Braun’s mother, Jenn Levi, attended the opening round of the US Open Tennis Championships. Jenn shared a screenshot of herself sitting among the other tennis fans wearing a yellow “Live Like Braun” hat as the ticker revealed who she was.
“I will always be your mother,” Jenn captioned the post, which included past photos of Braun growing up and on the tennis court. “Nothing— not even the senseless act of an alleged drunk driver— can ever change that.”
“There was no reason for this tragedy to have happened, and we are still trying to make sense of a world without you in it,” Jenn continued. “But we promise you this: we will turn our pain into purpose. We will keep your spirit, your joy, and your love alive in everything we do. Your legacy will live on through us, and through the lives you continue to inspire.”
“Forever our son and little brother. Forever my love,” Jenn concluded her post.
In a second post alongside professional tennis star Emilio Nava, Jenn thanked Nava for helping share Braun’s story.
“Heartfelt thank you to Emilio Nava for standing with us and helping bring attention to the dangers of drunk driving. Not only is Emilio an incredible tennis player, but he’s also a kind and genuine person who truly embodies what it means to Live Like Braun,” Jenn wrote on Instagram.
“Your support means the world to us and helps keep Braun’s legacy alive—on and off the court.”
Since Braun’s death, the Levi family has started the Live Like Braun Foundation to empower youth, support education, and prevent tragedy.
