Penthouse Pet Engaged to Billionaire Swalwell Backer After Deadly Car Crash

Adva Lavie's previous marriage to a porn star ended in a fatal accident and lawsuit.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a fatal collision that has left lasting impacts on all those affected.The aftermath of a tragic car crash that claimed a life exposes the personal turmoil behind the lives of those involved.Los Angeles Today

Adva Lavie, a former Penthouse model, is engaged to billionaire Stephen Cloobeck, a major donor to Eric Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign. However, Lavie was previously married to porn star Edan Ives, who was involved in a 2017 car crash that killed a motorcyclist. Ives was charged with vehicular manslaughter and sentenced to 20 days in jail.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex personal histories of some high-profile political donors and their associates. It also raises questions about accountability and transparency around political fundraising and the vetting of candidates' supporters.

The details

In 2017, Lavie and Ives, who goes by the stage name 'Big Nick', were in a grey Honda Civic when Ives 'made an unsafe right turn into the path of Manoochehr Namdar's motorcycle', according to a lawsuit. Namdar sustained severe injuries and died. Ives was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter, sentenced to 20 days in jail, and placed on probation for a year. Namdar's son filed a lawsuit against Lavie and Ives, which was later settled out of court.

  • The fatal car crash occurred in October 2022 in Encino, California.
  • Ives was arrested and charged in June 2023.
  • Ives was sentenced to 20 days in jail in 2023.
  • The lawsuit was filed by Namdar's son and later settled in April 2024.
  • Lavie and Ives filed for divorce in March 2026, after Lavie became engaged to Cloobeck in February 2026.

The players

Adva Lavie

A former Penthouse model who was previously married to porn star Edan Ives and is now engaged to billionaire Stephen Cloobeck.

Edan Ives

Also known as 'Big Nick' in the adult entertainment industry, Ives was involved in a fatal car crash that killed Manoochehr Namdar and was charged with vehicular manslaughter.

Manoochehr Namdar

The motorcyclist who was killed in the 2017 car crash involving Lavie and Ives.

Sam Namdar

The son of Manoochehr Namdar, who filed a lawsuit against Lavie and Ives following his father's death.

Stephen Cloobeck

A billionaire who has donated over $1 million to Eric Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign and is now engaged to Adva Lavie.

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What they’re saying

“Message him and ask him whatever you want.”

— Adva Lavie, Penthouse Model

What’s next

The details of the settlement between the Namdar family and Lavie and Ives are not publicly known, and it is unclear if there will be any further legal action related to the fatal car crash.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex personal histories and potential conflicts of interest that can arise when high-profile political donors are involved with individuals who have histories of legal issues or unethical behavior. It underscores the importance of thorough vetting and transparency around political fundraising.