BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Virginia State Police are actively searching for Travis L. Turner, a 46-year-old football coach at Union High School, who has been reported missing just days before his team's playoff game. Turner is sought on multiple serious charges, including possessing child sexual abuse material and soliciting a minor, with warrants issued on Monday detailing five counts of each offense.
According to police, Turner has been missing since Thursday when state police agents visited his home to question him regarding the investigation. It is unclear what led to the charges, prompting police to initiate a search operation using drones, tracking dogs, and rescue teams.
Turner's disappearance is especially alarming as his Union High School football team remains undefeated, boasting 12 consecutive victories this season and preparing for a regional final this Saturday. In his absence, defensive coordinator Jason Edwards has stepped in as interim head coach.
Turner, a former quarterback and athlete in Virginia Tech’s 1998 recruiting class, is also notable for being the son of Tom Turner, a respected high school football coach inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 2005. The situation has generated considerable concern and apprehension among students and parents, with school officials aware of the scenario but unable to comment due to the ongoing legal investigation.
According to police, Turner has been missing since Thursday when state police agents visited his home to question him regarding the investigation. It is unclear what led to the charges, prompting police to initiate a search operation using drones, tracking dogs, and rescue teams.
Turner's disappearance is especially alarming as his Union High School football team remains undefeated, boasting 12 consecutive victories this season and preparing for a regional final this Saturday. In his absence, defensive coordinator Jason Edwards has stepped in as interim head coach.
Turner, a former quarterback and athlete in Virginia Tech’s 1998 recruiting class, is also notable for being the son of Tom Turner, a respected high school football coach inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 2005. The situation has generated considerable concern and apprehension among students and parents, with school officials aware of the scenario but unable to comment due to the ongoing legal investigation.
