Public concern is mounting in Appalachia, Virginia, as authorities conduct a multi-agency search for Union High School football coach Travis L. Turner, 46, who has been reported missing amid serious criminal allegations.
Turner, who has led the Union High Bears for more than a decade, faces five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor, according to the Virginia State Police.
Turner was last seen on Friday, a day after state troopers visited his home as part of an ongoing investigation into the allegations.
Officials emphasized that their visit was preliminary, not an arrest, but found Turner absent from his residence.
Since then, the search has expanded across multiple jurisdictions, employing drones, K-9 units and search and rescue teams, with authorities stressing the priority of locating Turner safely, Fox News reports.
Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, has publicly defended her husband, calling him a “good dad and a good husband” and appealing for his return.
In a social media post, she wrote, “We love him and need him here with us,” and repeatedly stated she is unaware of any wrongdoing.
Turner’s coaching career is deeply rooted in the local football community, according to the New York Post.
Joining Union High in 2011, he guided the Bears to numerous victories and championships, earning recognition for his calm, steady leadership.
In 2021, the Herald Courier named him “Coach of the Year,” highlighting his focus, dedication and “laser-like” ability to motivate young athletes.
Turner followed in the footsteps of his late father, Tom Turner, a respected coach at Apalachee High School who won five state championships over a 26-year career.
Turner also played quarterback under his father before continuing to collegiate football.
Union High’s football team, currently undefeated at 12-0, was preparing for a regional final against defending state champion Graham High School when Turner disappeared.
In a pre-disappearance interview on Nov. 15, Turner praised his players’ resilience and leadership, offering no hint of the ongoing investigation. “
It’s going to be a battle here … and our kids will be ready,” he said.
The school placed Turner on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth described this as standard procedure and emphasized that the leave does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Assistant coach Jay Edwards has assumed all coaching responsibilities while the search continues.
The local community has reacted with shock and concern.
Former students and residents expressed on social media that the allegations and Turner’s disappearance have shaken trust in a long-standing mentor.
Others noted that rumors of misconduct had circulated before the public charges. Authorities encourage anyone with information about Turner’s location to contact Virginia State Police Division 4.
Turner’s disappearance highlights the challenges small communities face when prominent figures are accused of serious crimes.
While Turner maintains his innocence through his family, the ongoing investigation and manhunt leave Appalachia grappling with uncertainty and concern for student safety.
The Union Bears’ upcoming playoff matches continue amid increased uncertainty, and the absence of their longtime coach has cast a spotlight on both the team and the broader community, where high school football remains a central cultural fixture.
The manhunt has drawn attention statewide, prompting discussions about trust, mentorship and accountability in tight-knit communities.
Authorities have pledged exhaustive search efforts, reinforcing that public safety remains the top priority.
