A Virginia high school football coach has vanished while facing serious charges involving child exploitation, leaving authorities conducting a multi-jurisdictional manhunt and a small community grappling with shocking allegations against a trusted educator.
Story Highlights
- Travis Turner, 46, faces 10 warrants, including child pornography possession and soliciting minors.
- Coach disappeared before police arrival, and is now considered a fugitive by the Virginia State Police.
- The school placed an unnamed employee on administrative leave amid an external investigation.
- The community is shocked as Turner comes from a respected coaching family with a championship legacy.
Serious Charges Drive Investigation
Virginia State Police issued 10 warrants Monday for Union High School football coach Travis L. Turner, charging him with five counts of child pornography possession and five counts of using computers to solicit minors.
The 46-year-old coach disappeared from his Appalachia home before authorities could execute the warrants. Additional charges remain pending as the investigation continues, highlighting the severity of allegations against the educator entrusted with young athletes’ development.
Officers with Virginia State Police have obtained 10 warrants for a high school football coach who mysteriously went missing during an undefeated season for his team.
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— First Alert 6 (@WOWT6News) November 25, 2025
Coordinated Search Efforts Underway
Special agents from VSP’s Wytheville Field Office arrived at Turner’s residence on Thursday for investigative purposes, not an arrest, only to discover he had already fled. Police deployed comprehensive search resources, including rescue teams, drones, and K-9 units across multiple jurisdictions.
The manhunt intensified after Turner was officially reported missing on Friday, November 21. Authorities emphasize public safety as their top priority and urge the public to contact the Virginia State Police Division 4 at (276) 484-9483 to provide information.
Final Public Appearance Captured
Turner’s last known public interview occurred on November 15, following Union High’s 40-7 playoff victory over Lehigh at Big Stone Gap. The on-field interview, now considered his final public appearance, showed Turner praising his undefeated team’s resilience and leadership.
He discussed upcoming challenges against defending state champion Graham High School, displaying no apparent signs of the investigation that would soon unfold. The interview footage has gained significance as investigators piece together Turner’s final days before disappearing.
Community and Family React
Wise County Public Schools confirmed that it had placed an unnamed employee on administrative leave with pay pending an external review, following standard procedure without confirming wrongdoing.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth emphasized the division’s commitment to proper protocols during investigations. Turner’s wife posted a since-deleted Facebook message describing her husband as missing, asking for prayers for his safe return.
The rural Virginia community struggles to reconcile these allegations against someone from the respected Turner coaching family, whose late father, Tom, won five state championships.
