The wife of Travis Turner, a Virginia high school football coach who went missing last week, is urging the community to “keep praying” for his safe return amid an undefeated season.
“We came here to clarify things, but as of 10:25 PM on Friday, Travis is missing and that’s all we know,” Leslie Turner shared in a now-deleted Facebook post.
“We love him and we need him back with us. Thank you to everyone for your love and support; it means the world. Just keep praying for him to come home,” she added.
Travis was reported missing on Sunday after being last seen on Thursday. According to the Virginia State Police, the 46-year-old coach was donning a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants when he disappeared.
Officers visited his home in Appalachia Thursday evening for an investigation, but found he was no longer there.
Details regarding the investigation remain unclear, but Wise County Public Schools, which oversees Union High School, announced that some district employees have been placed on administrative leave during the inquiry.
Whether or not Turner himself is one of those on leave or the focus of the investigation has not been confirmed by authorities or school officials.
The school district explained, “One employee has been placed on paid administrative leave while an external agency reviews allegations reported to the department.” They also clarified that this is standard protocol and doesn’t imply any wrongdoing is suspected.
Virginia State Police have initiated a comprehensive search effort to find Turner, utilizing search and rescue teams, drones, and a K-9 unit.
The Union High School football team was in the midst of a successful undefeated season when their head coach suddenly vanished. Jay Edwards, an assistant coach at the school, has stepped in to handle coaching duties during this ongoing search.
