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Virginia High School Coach Vanishes into Woods; Police Later Issue Warrants, Family Says

01:42 AM, 11/30/2025
Virginia High School Coach Vanishes into Woods; Police Later Issue Warrants, Family Says

Travis L. Turner, 46, Union High School's head football coach in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, was last seen on Nov. 20 walking into heavily wooded terrain carrying a firearm, his family's attorney said. Five days later, investigators obtained 10 warrants—five for possession of child pornography and five for using a computer to solicit a minor—and Turner is now listed as a fugitive. Family and friends have searched the area while official searches use drones, K-9 units and foot patrols. Authorities ask anyone with information to call (276) 228-3131.

Travis L. Turner, 46, the head football coach at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, was last seen on Nov. 20 walking into a heavily wooded, mountainous area while carrying a firearm, his family's attorney, Adrian Collins, said.

Timeline and family account

The family's final confirmed contact with Turner occurred on or about Thursday, Nov. 20, when he left his home and entered the woods. No arrest warrants had been issued before his disappearance, Collins said. When Turner did not return that night, his wife attempted to notify local law enforcement but was told to wait 24 hours before filing a missing-person report; she filed the report with the Virginia State Police (VSP) on Nov. 21.

Investigation and charges

Five days after Turner was last seen, investigators obtained 10 warrants related to the case: five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Authorities have said the probe is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming. After the warrants were issued, state police listed Turner as a fugitive.

Police activity and searches

Police previously visited Turner's home on Nov. 20 but indicated they were not seeking to arrest him at that time. Local and state authorities have conducted extensive search operations across Wise County using drones, K-9 units and foot patrols. Family members and friends have also searched nearby woods, though their efforts have been constrained by poor weather and the need to avoid interfering with official searches.

Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants and glasses, according to the VSP missing-person database. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Virginia State Police at (276) 228-3131.

After charges were announced, Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, said: "He's a good dad and a good husband, and we want him home. That's it. I don't know anything. I'm sorry."

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to locate Turner and determine the full scope of the alleged offenses.

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