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The community of Union High School in Virginia faces an unexpected and unsettling situation as their head football coach, Travis Turner, has been reported missing. This development casts a shadow over what was anticipated to be a remarkable, undefeated season for the school’s football team.
Travis Turner, aged 46, was officially declared missing by the Virginia State Police on Sunday. The last confirmed sighting of Turner was on Thursday, when he was dressed in a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and glasses.
According to reports, state troopers visited Turner’s home near Appalachia, Virginia, on Thursday evening in response to a non-criminal complaint. However, when they arrived, Turner was nowhere to be found, as reported by WCYB-TV. His disappearance has prompted concern and worry among the community and school staff.
This alarming situation has been further highlighted by Virginia State Police’s continued efforts to locate Turner, as detailed in their missing persons alerts. The Union High School community, along with friends and family, are hoping for his safe return as they grapple with this unexpected turn of events.
The state police said troopers went to Turner’s residence near Appalachia, Virginia, Thursday evening to respond to a non-criminal complaint, but when they arrived, he was not there, according to WCYB-TV.
In a since deleted Facebook post, Turner’s wife, Leslie Turner, wrote that he was “missing and that’s all we know.”
Search efforts involving K-9 units, drones and ground crews have since been underway across Wise County.
Union High School head football coach Travis Turner, who has been reported missing, in an undated photo released by the Virginia State Police. (Virginia State Police)
Turner’s disappearance has stunned the community and the Union High School Bears, who entered the postseason with an 11-0 record.
He has been the head football coach at the public high school in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, since 2011.
Virginia State Police have launched a search for Union High football coach Travis Turner, whose disappearance has stunned the Big Stone Gap community. (Virginia State Police)
No additional details about the circumstances of his disappearance or the nature of the initial complaint have been released. Officials have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Wise County Public Schools and the Virginia State Police for additional information.
Anyone with information about Turner’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Virginia State Police at (276) 228-3131.