Search Underway for Missing Virginia Football Coach
Virginia State Police have launched a search for Travis L. Turner, 46, the football coach at Union High School, who has gone missing from his home and is now considered a fugitive.
On Tuesday, authorities revealed that they had issued ten warrants on Monday, leading to five counts of possession of child pornography and another five for soliciting a minor using a computer.
The investigation is still in progress, and further charges may be forthcoming. After he reportedly vanished last week, police have classified Turner as a fugitive.
Turner was first reported missing on Friday, November 21, shortly after officers visited his home in Appalachia, Virginia. Special agents from the VSP’s Division of Criminal Investigation learned that Turner was no longer present by the time they arrived for what was described as an investigative check, rather than an arrest.
In their efforts to locate him, police have utilized search and rescue teams, drones, and K-9 units. “Our main goal is to find Mr. Turner safely,” VSP stated, emphasizing that the search is ongoing across various jurisdictions.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding Turner’s whereabouts to reach out to Virginia State Police Division 4 at (276) 484-9483 or via email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov. Anonymity for tips is available.
A video recently shared on social media is believed to be Turner’s last interview before his disappearance. This took place at Barrett Park in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, right after Union’s 40-7 win against Lehigh in a playoff match on November 15. He expressed pride in his team’s ability to overcome challenges, noting, “There was no panic. We just stayed the course and played football.”
At that time, Union High School was enjoying an undefeated season, preparing to face off against defending state champions, Graham High School. Reflecting on the upcoming match, Turner added, “It’s going to be a fight, and our kids will be ready.”
Turner’s disappearance has caused shockwaves in the small Virginia community. Although Wise County Public Schools have placed an unnamed employee on paid leave pending an external review, they haven’t confirmed whether this is directly related to the ongoing investigation into Turner.
In a statement, Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth indicated that this step is routine and does not imply any wrongdoing. The school district is unable to share more details due to the active law enforcement investigation.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, Turner’s wife mentioned that he was missing, stating, “We love him and we need him here with us. Please continue to pray that he comes home.”
Travis Turner comes from a family with a strong coaching background—his late father, Tom Turner, was a successful high school soccer coach who won five state championships over a 26-year career before his passing in 2006.
