The head football coach of Union High School’s undefeated team in Virginia has been reported missing, prompting a widespread search and a related investigation by the school district.
Virginia State Police officially listed Travis Turner, 46, as a missing person on Friday. He was last seen on Thursday wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and glasses. The report of his disappearance came after state troopers visited Turner’s residence near Appalachia on Thursday evening to respond to a non-criminal complaint but found he was not there.
In a related development, Wise County Public Schools confirmed that a staff member has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation into external allegations. Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth stated, “This is standard procedure and is not a determination of wrongdoing. This situation also involves an active law-enforcement matter, and the division cannot comment further.”
Search efforts for Turner, involving K-9 units, drones, and ground crews, are underway across Wise County. His wife, Leslie Turner, confirmed his disappearance in a since-deleted social media post.
The news has stunned the Big Stone Gap community, where Turner has been the head football coach since 2011. His team, the Union High School Bears, is currently preparing for the postseason after an 11-0 season.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of his disappearance or the nature of the initial complaint and have not indicated whether foul play is suspected. Anyone with information on Travis Turner’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Virginia State Police at (276) 228-3131.
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