The world of high school sports in Virginia was rocked in late 2025 when a respected football coach vanished without a trace, shortly after being accused of serious crimes. Travis Turner, the head football coach at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, became the subject of a national story that blended on-field success with a shocking off-field scandal and a mysterious disappearance.
From Local Hero to National Headlines
Before November 2025, Travis Turner was known as a successful and dedicated coach. He led the Union High School football team to an undefeated regular season, earning praise for his leadership and his commitment to guiding players both in sport and in life. His standing in the community of Big Stone Gap was solid, making the events that followed all the more shocking.
In November 2025, authorities announced that Turner was facing serious criminal charges. The charges included five counts of possessing child sexual abuse material and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Police indicated the case was linked to online activity, though few specific investigative details were made public. The charges were filed just before Turner went missing.
A Family in Crisis and a Community in Shock
The personal life of Travis Turner was thrust into an unwanted spotlight. He is a married man with children. Since his disappearance, his family has maintained a private stance, communicating primarily through legal representatives. His wife has expressed deep concern for his safety and has publicly appealed for him to return and face the legal allegations.
Despite the turmoil, Turner's son has continued to attend school events and football games. The Union High School administration placed Travis Turner on leave immediately after the charges became known, barring him from any contact with students while the case remains active. There is no publicly available information regarding his net worth, which is typical for high school coaches who generally earn modest salaries.
The Disappearance and Intensive Search
Travis Turner was last seen on November 20, 2025. According to his family, he walked into a wooded area near his home while carrying a firearm. When he failed to return, a large-scale search operation was launched.
Authorities have deployed extensive resources to find him, including Virginia State Police, federal agents, drones, and search dogs. A reward of up to $5,000 has been offered for information leading to his location. As the search continues, officials have warned the public that Turner may be armed and should be approached with caution.
The case leaves a trail of unanswered questions for his students, players, and the wider football community. The story of Travis Turner remains a developing saga, marked by a celebrated career, grave accusations, and an unresolved disappearance that has left a Virginia town searching for answers.
