It was just days ago that Braun Levi, a senior, and his teammate Cooper Schwartz won the Mission League doubles championship together. Braunny was seen holding up four fingers, which stood for each of his straight league doubles championship wins. Cooper and Braun had fought many rivals off on the court. Their second consecutive doubles title is proof enough, but the best buddies had had each other since their racket kit bags were nearly as big as they were. Counter perspective would be that they were that little. When their siblings had long left for college, they had each other. When their houses in Pacific Palisades had burned down in the January firestorm, they had each other.

And best friends always come in pairs, don’t they? But Cooper believed the blonde-haired and blue-eyed Levi was an exception to that rule. He spread warmth everywhere he went. Both Loyola High School students from Los Angeles dreamt of making it big in tennis, but from here onwards, Cooper will have to tread ahead alone. Levi was killed in a traffic accident on Sunday. He was a month away from his high school graduation. In a solemn note, Principal Jamal Adams wrote an email to the students as well as the staff, inviting everyone to gather on campus on Sunday evening to conduct a prayer vigil.

“Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched. All members of our community are welcome to join us as we gather in unity and remembrance,” the principal wrote. His doubles partner Cooper took to Instagram just minutes ago, stating, “You’re forever who we toast to, who we laugh about when we try to explain anything you’ve ever done, and who we cry about knowing we can’t just give you a hug. 18 years or 125, no one had a better life than you did Braunny. The tears are joyful because of that.” Presley Kiffin, the daughter of football coach Lane Kiffin, too, paid her tribute:

“To the best heart and soul, we love you always and forever,” she wrote in the IG caption. She shared two more images of Levi in her next story. The school’s Instagram account shared a lengthy tribute: “We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Loyola High School senior, Braun Levi. Levi, 18, 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.

“Levi was a true leader throughout our campus, serving as a member of the Student Council, a senior Big Brother, Kairos retreat leader and volleyball team manager, to name a few. 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.”

In the fall, he was to attend the University of Virginia.

As per reports available, the Manhattan Beach police stated that they have arrested a 33-year-old woman after suspecting drunk driving and involvement in the crash. A news release from the department revealed that a call was received at 12:46 a.m. about an accident involving a pedestrian on the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard. The victim, whom they did not identify initially, was lying in the street. Emergency responders provided immediate medical attention and transported Levi to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.

Levi’s social media presence showed his Southern California upbringing. Whether he was wading through the waters of the High Sierra lake, enjoying the beach with his friends, posing for a selfie with actor Adam Sandler, or hanging out at a horse racing track, he was always out and about.

Brian Held, who was Levi’s coach at school and also taught him AP Economics and Statistics, stated: “Braun was the most amazing, all-around leader, whom everyone loved, even his opponents. He was just that type of kid — unique and special. As one of his teachers, I witnessed how he brought joy to everyone.” He is survived by his older sister and parents.

Tributes pour in for Braun Levi…

Levi’s Instagram handle showed how much of an extroverted kid he was. The last photo dump from a week ago featured his day out with parents and other community members. Trekking, swimming, dining, and a lot of other activities kept Levi immersed. “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,” one friend mentioned.

Just a month ago, the high school had celebrated Levi’s big achievement. He had entered the top 50 of the UTR Sports Boys HS Individual rankings. He also ranked 33rd in California. He had a bright future ahead, and his well-wishers couldn’t help but reminisce about their moments together. “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.”

In the past few hours, there has been a flood of comments filled with tears, wishes, and prayers for his loved ones. Another close friend wrote, “Never call someone my brother again ❤️❤️🕊️.” The others echoed the same sentiment, “Rest in peace, Braun. We’ll see you down the road. ❤️❤️❤️🕊️”

Unfortunately for the high school, two years ago, they witnessed another student-athlete’s death. Ryan Times, a pitcher on the baseball team, was killed by a train in April 2023 during spring break. So Levi’s death brought back those memories, too.

“You were too young to die. Love u, bro, thanks for being one of my senior big brothers. ❤️🕊️, another grief-stricken wrote in the comments.