Travis Turner, the 46‑year‑old head coach of Union High School’s football squad in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, sounded upbeat during a local interview just five days before he stopped showing up.
In the final conversation he had with the Union Sports Network, Turner talked about getting his players ready for a tough playoff match‑up and said, “It’s going to be a battle here … and our kids be ready.” He praised the opposing team’s coaching, saying, “Their coaches do a great job,” and noted, “They’re very athletic… They’re strong up front and they’re just well coached.”
In that same interview nothing hinted that Turner was dealing with any hidden crisis, nor that he would disappear a few days later as police made their way to his home. His wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, posted several pictures on Facebook before the game wishing him luck, again unaware of what was to come.
Police were still searching for Turner as of Tuesday after he was listed as a missing person on the Virginia State Police database late last week. The strange turn of events began when officers were en route to Turner’s home in Appalachia last Thursday as part of the “early stages of an investigation” when they found he had left.
The investigation’s purpose remains unclear, and the police said, “This was part of the investigation, and NOT to arrest [Turner].” While in transit, the agents were informed that Turner was no longer at the location.
A deleted Facebook post acquired by News Channel 11 showed Turner’s wife saying that Friday she knew the coach was missing, adding, “and that’s all we know.” She wrote, “We love him and need him here with us. Just keep praying that he comes home.”
Also Read… Wife of missing football coach Travis Turner breaks silence after husband mysteriously vanishes: ‘Keep praying’
The mystery thickened when Fair County Public Schools—Union High’s district—announced that an employee had been placed on administrative leave. Neither the school nor law‑enforcement has confirmed whether that staffer is Turner or whether the two situations are connected.
The district said simply, “A staff member has been placed on administrative leave with pay while an external agency reviews an allegation that was reported to the division. This is standard procedure and not a determination of wrongdoing. This situation also involves an active law‑enforcement matter, and the division cannot comment further.”
According to the most recent update from state police, search teams were still combing the area near Turner’s home on Monday. The spokesperson noted that the Virginia State Police had deployed “a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones and K9s, to assist in the search, and hopefully locate Turner safely.” He added that, “At this time, Turner has not been located. The investigation remains ongoing.”
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
