Search Intensifies for Missing Virginia High School Football Coach Travis Turner Amid Undefeated Season

Appalachia, Virginia – November 24, 2025In the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains, a small Virginia community is reeling from the mysterious disappearance of one of its most revered figures: Travis L. Turner, the 46-year-old head football coach at Union High School. Turner, whose undefeated Bears have dominated the gridiron this season, vanished from his home in Appalachia on Thursday evening, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions, a grieving family, and a team on the cusp of playoff glory.Virginia State Police (VSP) confirmed late Sunday that an active, multi-agency search is underway for Turner, who was officially listed as a missing person in the state's database earlier that morning.

Described as 6 feet tall with brown hair and blue eyes, Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and glasses, heading into the wooded area near his residence on Thursday night.

Authorities have concentrated their efforts in the dense forests surrounding his home, deploying ground teams, K-9 units, and aerial support in a bid to uncover any leads.The timing of Turner's disappearance could not be more poignant. It occurred just hours before Union's pivotal Region 2D semifinal playoff game against Graham High School on Saturday, a match the Bears won 12-0 under the interim guidance of assistant coach Jay Edwards.

The victory improved Union's record to 11-0, propelling them into a regional title showdown with Ridgeview High School. Yet, the triumph was overshadowed by uncertainty, with players, staff, and fans donning "Find Coach Turner" ribbons during the game and holding a community prayer vigil beforehand.

Turner's absence stems from a routine police visit to his home that took an unexpected turn. VSP agents from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Wytheville Field Office arrived Thursday evening for what was described as a non-arrest interview tied to an ongoing investigation.

En route, they were notified that Turner had already left the premises. While officials have not disclosed details of the probe—stressing that Turner faces no charges—Wise County Public Schools announced Friday that an unnamed staff member had been placed on paid administrative leave pending an external review of an unspecified allegation.

Superintendent Mike Goforth confirmed Edwards would handle all coaching duties moving forward, praising the team's resilience amid the turmoil.For those who know him, Turner's vanishing act defies logic. A lifelong resident of Wise County, Turner hails from a storied football lineage; his late father, Tom Turner, was a legendary coach at Appalachia High School who secured five state championships over 26 years.

Travis himself was a standout quarterback in high school, recruited by top college programs before returning to his roots to lead Union's fledgling program to unprecedented success since its inception. Married to Leslie Caudill Turner, a local with degrees in psychology and early childhood development, the couple is deeply embedded in the community fabric. 17GEN4.com