High school football coach Travis Turner, 46, went missing following a police visit to his home as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to the police, when they tried to pay Turner a visit, his family reported he was not there, which lead to an extensive search that included drones, search, and rescue teams.
According to The Independent, Travis has since been considered a fugitive as he’s part of an investigation involving child pornography possession and soliciting a minor.
Travis, who works at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, disappeared before his team prepared for a playoff game.
As the search continues and intensifies, Turner’s wife, took to Facebook to share an emotional plea. “I just wanted to get on here for a second to clear up something, as of right now, 10:25 PM on Friday night, Travis is missing, & that’s all we know,” she posted on the social media. “We love him & need him here with us. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love & support. It means more than you know. Just keep praying that he comes home.”
Turner was last spotted walking into the woods near his house, leading police to concentrate their search in that area. He was reportedly wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and glasses.
Officer Jason Day said drones and K-9s have been deployed, though helicopters couldn’t fly Saturday due to weather, Daily Mail reported.
In a statement to the media, the school district said that Turner “remains on leave and is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students,” adding, “The division will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as this process moves forward.”
Turner was a standout quarterback who won three state titles from 1994–97. He’s been Union’s head coach since 2011 and is a two-time Southwest Virginia Coach of the Year.
The wife of the missing coach believes he is not responsible for the charges against him, saying “none of it is true.”
“He’s a good dad and a good husband, and we want him home. That’s it,” she said. “I don’t know anything. I don’t know anything. I’m sorry.
“We are all just hanging in there until we get news.”
The family’s attorney, Adrian Collins, also shared a statement: “I speak today on behalf of Coach Turner’s family. We remain prayerful for his safe return and for everyone affected by the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. We trust God to bring truth and clarity in His time.
“Any allegations should be addressed through the proper legal process – not through speculation or rumor. We ask the public and media to show compassion, accuracy, and respect for the family’s privacy.”
According to superintendent Dr Mike Goforth, the district has been aware of the charges against Turner and that he was “placed on administrative leave with pay while an external agency reviews an allegation that was reported to the division,” but added that that’s a standard procedure not determination of wrongdoing.
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