The wife of missing Virginia high school football coach Travis Turner has made a heartfelt plea for the community to keep him in their prayers as he remains unaccounted for following his mysterious disappearance last week. Leslie Turner posted an emotional message on Facebook, stating, “We love him & need him here with us. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love & support. It means more than you know. Just keep praying that he comes home.”
Travis Turner, the head football coach at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, was reported missing on Sunday after he was last seen the previous Thursday. The 46-year-old was described as wearing a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants at the time of his disappearance. Virginia State Police have since classified him as a missing person and are actively searching for him.
Reports indicate that police were dispatched to Turner’s home in Appalachia on Thursday evening to follow up on a complaint, although it is unclear what the nature of that complaint was. Upon their arrival, authorities discovered that Turner was no longer at the residence. The police have not confirmed whether Turner is connected to an employee of the local school district who was placed on administrative leave, as part of an ongoing investigation. A statement from Wise County Public Schools noted that the leave is a standard procedure and does not imply any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the search for Turner has intensified, with Virginia State Police employing search and rescue teams, drones, and K-9 units to aid in the effort. The Union High School football team, which was enjoying an undefeated season, is currently being managed by assistant coach Jay Edwards while the search continues.
The community is rallying around the Turner family during this difficult time, and there is hope that he will be found safe and sound.