Braun Levi, a talented high school tennis star from Loyola High School in Los Angeles, was a close friend of Kit Hoover’s son, Crowley Sullivan.
He was nationally ranked and had just won his fourth consecutive tennis league championship.
Tragically, he was killed in Manhattan Beach when he was struck by a vehicle while walking with a friend.
According to police, the suspect, Jenia Resha Belt, 33, was driving with a suspended license at the time of the crash due to a previous drunk driving arrest.
The accident occurred around 1 a.m. on Sepulveda Boulevard, and Belt was arrested at the scene.
She is now facing possible DUI and murder charges and is currently being held without bail.
Levi Was The Captain Of The Varsity Tennis Team!
Braun Levi was recognized as one of the top young players in the country. At just 18 years old, he had already won four consecutive tennis league championships.
His most recent victory was in the Mission League doubles championship, where he proudly held up four fingers to mark his four straight titles.
Levi was the captain of the varsity tennis team for three years. He was also a student council member, a Kairos retreat leader, and a volleyball team manager.
His leadership and kindness made him a beloved figure at Loyola, known as a senior Big Brother.
Levi had planned to continue his tennis career at the University of Virginia, where he was set to play at the collegiate level.
Beyond his athletic achievements, he was known for his kindness, leadership, and ability to uplift those around him.
His teammates and friends described him as someone who always cheered others up, even after a bad shot.
Moreover, he used his senior project to support students who had also lost their homes in a wildfire.
Kit Hoover’s Son, Crowley Sullivan, And Braun Were Like Brothers!
Levi’s family, who lost their home in the Palisades Fire, faced another tragedy just a month later.
They issued a heartfelt statement following their son, Braun’s, tragic passing, saying:
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. He 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.
Crowley Sullivan, Kit Hoover’s son, shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo of them together, saying:
You are my friend, my brother, my family—but more than anything, you are a way of life.
Additionally, Kit Hoover expressed her heartbreak on Instagram, writing:
Oh Braun…We are heartbroken 💔💔💔. You have left a void so vast and deep. 19 years was simply not enough time for you here our beautiful boy…
Loyola High School Called Braun Levi “One of The Program’s Most Accomplished Student-Athletes”
Similarly, Loyola High School’s Principal, Jamal Adams, expressed deep sorrow over Braun’s passing and released a statement via email, saying:
Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched.
The school also honored Levi’s legacy by holding a prayer vigil in Caruso Hall.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Braun Levi’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Beautiful Soul!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Braun and his family moved to Manhattan Beach after the devastating wildfires in lOs Angeles.
- Kit Hoover is a proud mother of three children.