A Brevard County, Florida community is mourning the loss of a 16-year-old Viera High School football player who died in a car crash on Christmas Eve.
Brian Moss, who wore jersey number 34 for the Viera Hawks, was killed on December 24, 2025, while traveling with his family from a holiday party. The family was returning from DeLand, Florida, in Volusia County when the fatal crash occurred.
The tragedy struck just days after Moss had been named Varsity Specialty Player of the Year, an honor awarded the week before his death. Moss was described as a standout athlete and an excellent student who was set to become a starting cornerback for the team next year.
“This is a tough loss. He was a great kid and an excellent student,” said Tony Gulla, coach of the Viera Hawks.
The loss has deeply affected the Viera High School community. Moss’ jersey has been placed in the team’s weight room in his honor. The coach held a scheduled workout with his players following the tragedy, during which the team completed 34 pushups to commemorate Moss’ jersey number.
The timing of the tragedy added another layer of sorrow for the family and their church community. Moss’ mother had been scheduled to sing at Church at Viera during the Christmas Eve service, a performance that never took place due to the accident that claimed her son’s life.
The church released a statement expressing the congregation’s grief. “Our church family is heartbroken over Brian’s death and we are holding you, his family, and his friends close in our prayers today,” the Church at Viera said.
As students and staff process the loss, school officials have announced that counseling services will be available when classes resume after winter break. The support services are being made available to help students cope with the sudden death of their classmate and teammate.
Coach Gulla described the emotional impact on the team members when they learned of Moss’ death, noting how some teammates were crying while others were shocked to hear the news for the first time.
A celebration of life has been scheduled for Saturday at the Viera High School football field, where teammates, classmates, family members, and community members will gather to honor Moss’ memory. The location holds particular significance as the place where Moss spent countless hours practicing and playing the sport he loved.
The football player had made a strong impression during his time on the varsity team. His recognition as Varsity Specialty Player of the Year highlighted his contributions to the program and the promise he showed for future seasons. His coaches had already identified him as a key player for the coming year, planning to give him a starting position at cornerback.
Teammates and coaches remembered Moss not just for his athletic abilities but also for his positive presence both on and off the field. The combination of his academic excellence and athletic talent had made him a role model for younger players in the program.
The crash that claimed Moss’ life occurred during what should have been a joyful holiday celebration. The family had traveled to a holiday party in Volusia County on December 23, spending time with friends and loved ones before beginning their return journey home to Brevard County.
Details about the specific circumstances of the crash have not been released. The tragedy has left the Viera High School community grappling with the loss of a promising young athlete whose life was cut short just as he was beginning to realize his potential on the football field and in the classroom.
As the community prepares for Saturday’s memorial service, the placement of Moss’ number 34 jersey in the team weight room serves as a permanent tribute to his memory and the legacy he leaves behind at Viera High School.
