Family of high school tennis star files $200M suit against suspected drunk driver

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A $200 million lawsuit was filed against a suspected drunk driver who killed a promising Los Angeles Tennis player.

KNX News’ Karen Adams reported Jenia Belt is suspected of having nearly twice the legal limit of alcohol in her system when she ran over Braun Levi on May 4 in Manhattan Beach. Spencer Lucas, the attorney representing Levi’s parents, said Belt was also driving on a suspended license from a previous DUI.

He said the lawsuit is meant to send a message “to the broader community to raise awareness against the dangers of drunk driving, but also to raise awareness about the reforms that need to happen in California regarding DUI sentencing.”

Lucas explained how fatal DUIs are happening too often across L.A., and the families of victims are just left to suffer.

“Braun was an extremely talented young man,” he said. “Not only was he a straight-A student, he was an incredible athlete, and in fact, he was one of the most decorated athletes in the history of Loyola High School.”

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Levi was admitted to play tennis at the University of Virginia. His parents have set up the Live Like Braun Foundation to honor their only son. Part of the goal is to raise awareness against the dangers of drinking and driving.

Belt has been released from jail, but could still face possible murder charges in the case.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images