Former FBI Agent Believes Missing Virginia Football Coach Could Still Be Alive
Travis Turner disappeared from his home in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, in late 2024. The 46-year-old high school football coach and father of three vanished just days before police planned to question him. Investigators wanted to speak with Turner about ten serious allegations involving child sexual offenses.
Disappearance Shocks Small Town Community
Turner was last seen heading toward the Appalachian woods while carrying a firearm. Since that day, authorities have recorded no confirmed sightings, no phone calls, and no digital trail. His sudden disappearance shocked the community of Big Stone Gap.
At the time he vanished, Turner was a well-known figure at Union High School. His football team was enjoying an unbeaten season. For many residents, his disappearance raised troubling questions that still lack clear answers.
Why Search Efforts Suggest Turner May Be Alive
Former FBI agent Jennifer Doebler explains why she believes Turner could still be alive. Doebler previously worked on crimes involving children for the FBI in New Jersey. She points to one key detail in the investigation.
The continued involvement of the United States Marshals Service matters significantly. Doebler told The Sun, "What I can tell in the news, they haven't expanded their search area, but they also haven't called off the US Marshals. The US Marshals don't look for a deceased person."
Doebler added, "So, US Marshals have not officially stepped out, which means they cannot rule out that he sheltered in place or somehow made it to another location."
Police Likely Monitoring Family Contacts
Because of this ongoing search, Doebler believes police are probably staying close to Turner's family. She explained, "I would say they're probably keeping in very close contact with Turner's immediate family. The reason for that is two reasons: to continue to communicate with them and ask them questions about where Turner could possibly be, but it's also to see if Turner reached out."
She elaborated on why family contact remains crucial. "In my opinion, if Travis Turner is still alive, and if Turner was able to make it to another location, there will very likely come a time where he will try to reach out to his wife and children."
Family Denies Allegations, Details Emerge
Five days after Turner went missing, his wife Leslie publicly denied the allegations against him. Speaking to Daily Mail, she said, "None of that is true. He's a good dad and a good husband and we want him home. That's it."
Travis Turner's lawyer, Adrian Collins, later revealed important details. He said Turner left behind his car, wallet, medication, glasses, and cash. Collins also told the paper that Turner was not charged until days after he disappeared. He was not officially a fugitive at the time he vanished.
The case remains active today. Virginia State Police continue their investigation into Turner's disappearance and the allegations against him.
