High School Football Coach Vanishes Amidst Serious Allegations
A prominent Virginia high school football coach has disappeared and is now the subject of an intensive search by law enforcement. Travis L. Turner, 46, of Appalachia, Virginia, is wanted on multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse material.
Virginia State Police confirmed on Tuesday that Turner faces five counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Authorities have indicated that additional charges are pending as their investigation continues.
The Disappearance and Ongoing Search
Turner has been missing since last Thursday, creating a mystery for investigators. State police special agents were initially dispatched to his home not to arrest him, but to speak with him as part of their investigation. However, as officers were en route, they received notification that he was already gone.
The subsequent search effort has been substantial. Police have deployed drones, K-9 units, and rescue teams in the area around Big Stone Gap in an attempt to locate the missing coach. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear.
Impact on Undefeated Football Team
The timing of this situation has created significant turmoil for the Union High School football program. Turner coaches the Bears, who have achieved a perfect 12-0 record this season and are scheduled to play in a regional final this Saturday.
According to the Bristol Herald Courier, defensive coordinator Jason Edwards has stepped in as interim head coach, leading the team to victory last weekend. The publication reported that players were reluctant to discuss the situation involving their missing coach.
Senior running back Keith Chandler provided insight into the team's mindset, telling WCYB that players huddled and agreed: "We're going to have to handle adversity here. We stick together as brothers here, and we should come out with the victory."
Background and School Response
Turner has deep roots in the community's football culture. He was a quarterback at Appalachia High School, which later merged into Union High School in 2011. His father, Tom Turner, was both his high school coach and a Virginia High School Hall of Fame inductee.
Online records indicate Travis Turner was part of Virginia Tech's 1998 recruiting class alongside future NFL quarterback Michael Vick, and later played at University of Virginia Wise in 1999.
Wise County Public Schools has placed the staff member on administrative leave. Division Superintendent Mike Goforth stated the individual is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students. The school district has declined further comment, citing the ongoing legal nature of the personnel matter.
The court system does not yet have a case docket that would list legal representation for Turner, and records connected to the charges against him remain unavailable to the public as the investigation and search continue.
