A tragic end always hurts, especially when the end is of a young life filled to the brim with potential. Times like these pull the on and off-court fraternity together to remember and pay homage to a life taken away too soon by twisted fate. One such moment rocked the Italian Open in Rome recently when even time paused to remember Braun Levi, an 18-year-old American prodigy taken away too soon. The California high school student was just a month away from graduating with a bucket list of aspirations and opportunities that lay ahead for him.

Unfortunately, fate seemingly had other plans. He may be physically gone, but he remains in memories as “everyone’s best friend”. Braun Levi, a nationally ranked tennis player, passed away earlier this month following a car accident. As reported by USA Today on May 4, Levi was struck down in an accident caused by a 33-year-old woman. The suspect allegedly crashed into the pedestrian sidewalk on the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard. First responders took Levi to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to heavy injuries on Sunday morning, May 4.

Levi Braun had just reached a milestone—winning the Mission League doubles championship alongside his close friend Cooper Schwartz. The moment was a culmination of hard work and brotherhood, one that Cooper would later remember on Instagram, calling Levi the “greatest work hard, play hard exemplar of all time.” Levi was preparing to attend the University of Virginia this fall, a testament to both his athletic prowess and academic dedication. But beyond the trophies and titles, it was Levi’s kindness and warmth that made him unforgettable.

His coach, Brian Held, spoke to The Los Angeles Times on May 5, saying Levi was “probably the most decorated player to ever play for the school.” Loyola High School’s athletic department echoed that sentiment in a moving tribute on Instagram: “His lovable personality, infectious smile, and boundless energy made him a beloved member of the Loyola community. He was a true Man for and With Others, and we will miss him dearly.”

The note further revealed that Levi “was a team captain and four-year Varsity starter for Loyola Tennis and cemented himself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history, having just won his 4th consecutive league championship on April 29th.” But Levi’s legacy stretches beyond the court. In a Tennis Channel segment aired May 16, viewers learned of his compassion. From joining his family on global medical missions to donating sports equipment to orphanages, Levi embodied the spirit of service. “Growing up, Braun joined his family on medical missions around the world and brought sports equipments to orphanages and underserved communities.”

Not to mention his heartwarming gestures in the aftermath of a personal tragedy. Earlier this year, he and his family lost their home in the Palisades fires. Later, “Braun helped organize a retreat for fellow students affected by the fires. Helping others heal in the wake of his personal heartbreak.” No matter what situation or person he came across, Levi always “made everyone feel valued.”

“He left an impact everywhere he went, on everybody he meant.” In the memory of Braun, his friends and family have opted to “celebrate the extraordinary years they shared with him and have adopted the mantra ‘Live Like Braun!’ to carry his life forward.” While he may be gone too soon, people close to him recently came forward to share their condolences.

Tributes surface for Braun Levi

Levi’s social media is a window into a life well-lived: beach days, hiking through High Sierra Lake, selfies with Adam Sandler. An extrovert with a zest for life, his last post captured time with his parents and community members, smiling through every shared moment. Just a month before his passing, Levi had broken into the top 50 of UTR Sports’ Boys HS Individual rankings and was No. 33 in California—a future star with dreams taking flight.

Now, that promise feels like a gaping absence. Tributes continue to pour in beneath his final post. “You never met a stranger and left an impact on everyone you met. I’m going to live and love as big as you every day,” a friend wrote. Another shared, “Whether you were lucky enough to cross paths with him for an hour or a lifetime, he left an impression. It was impossible to be sad or bored whenever Braun was around, and his gift for lifting those around him was truly singular.” One tribute read simply and heartbreakingly, “Never call someone my brother again ❤️❤️🕊️.”

Echoing this sentiment, another individual wrote, “Rest in peace, Braun. We’ll see you down the road. ❤️❤️❤️🕊️” What’s made Levi’s demise even more painful is the fact that two years ago, another student of the Loyola High School had passed away. Ryan Times, a pitcher on the baseball team, was killed in a tragic train accident back in April 2023. “You were too young to die. Love u, bro, thanks for being one of my senior big brothers. ❤️🕊️,” wrote one more close friend of Levi while paying an emotional tribute.

Levi Braun was only 18. But in his short time, he left behind a legacy of love, strength, and light.