Virginia Coach Travis Turner Missing After Child-Sex Allegations

UPDATE: Missing Virginia high school football coach Travis Turner has vanished into the woods with a firearm amid serious investigations into multiple child pornography allegations, his family confirmed on Friday. Turner, head coach at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, was last seen at his home on November 20, 2023, just before he disappeared into a heavily wooded area.

Authorities report that police were en route to Turner’s residence on the day of his disappearance to question him regarding five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. According to family attorney Adrian Collins, the last known contact with Turner occurred after he left home, armed with a firearm.

“The family has cooperated fully with law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to locate Travis,” Collins stated, emphasizing the family’s distress during this time. Leslie Turner, Travis’s wife, reported him missing after he failed to return home the night he left. A missing-person report was filed with the Virginia State Police on November 21.

While Collins denied reports of 10 warrants issued for Turner’s arrest, he confirmed that Turner is believed to have entered a mountainous area. Police have not confirmed whether any warrants were issued prior to his disappearance.

Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants. His family has expressed their unwavering support for him, calling him a “good dad and a good husband,” while also conducting their own search efforts, which have been hampered by challenging weather conditions.

Turner has been placed on paid administrative leave by Wise County Public Schools, which oversees Union High, where he has worked for over 11 years as a coach and physical education teacher. Following his disappearance, the school removed him from its website, leaving only his son, Bailey Turner, listed as a staff member.

As the investigation continues, the community remains on high alert. Officials are urging anyone with information regarding Turner’s whereabouts to come forward. This urgent situation has captured the attention of local residents and raised concerns over the serious nature of the allegations against the beloved coach.

Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.