Virginia high school football coach goes missing during team's undefeated season
Share and Follow

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.

: Undated image of Union High School football coach Travis Turner, listed as a missing person by Virginia State Police.

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.

Undated image of Union High School football coach Travis Turner, listed as a missing person by Virginia State Police.

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.

Travis Turner in an undated photo released by the Virginia State Police

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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Pair of snowy owls spotted along Lake Michigan beach near near Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary draws crowds in Chicago

Rare Snowy Owl Sighting at Lake Michigan’s Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary Attracts Birdwatchers to Chicago

CHICAGO — The arrival of two magnificent snowy owls along the shores…
FILE - Federal law enforcement agents walk on Beale Street, Oct. 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Trump’s Crime-Fighting Task Force Overwhelms Memphis: Thousands of Arrests Strain Overcrowded Jails and Courts

In Memphis, Tennessee, a federal initiative spearheaded by President Donald Trump has…
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani seeks after his meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Unwavering Critique: Mamdani Maintains Stance Against Trump After Cordial White House Encounter

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an interview broadcast on Sunday, New York City…
Arnold Schwarzenegger treats LA veterans to film studio trip

Arnold Schwarzenegger Honors LA Veterans with Exclusive Film Studio Experience

Arnold Schwarzenegger recently shared a heartfelt gesture he extended to his personal…
Long Island's largest, most controversial zoo set to close after budget nix: 'Very sad'

Beloved Long Island Zoo Faces Closure Amid Budget Cuts: Community Reacts

A significant chapter in Long Island’s history is coming to a close…
Cruise ship death mystery: Cheerleader's final posts hint at heartbreak and resilience as dad breaks silence

Family Seeks Answers in Tragic Cruise Ship Incident Involving Cheerleader

The family of Anna Kepner, a Florida cheerleader who tragically died under…
Cops swarm Epstein records vault after ‘cover-up’ claims, online protest chatter light up the web: report

Explosive Claims Ignite Online Frenzy: Police Raid Epstein Records Vault Amid Cover-Up Allegations

Legal panel discusses next steps in Epstein case Shannon Bream recently convened…
Chicago public schools blow millions on travel expenses while students can't read at grade level

Shocking: Chicago Schools Spend Millions on Travel Amidst Literacy Crisis

An incisive investigation by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Office of Inspector…