Union High School football coach Travis Turner went missing in November 2025 as his undefeated team pursued the state championships. In the wake of his disappearance, news broke that the high school football coach left his home as officers of Virginia's Bureau of Criminal Investigation were en route to speak to him about child pornography allegations. His family said that Turner was last seen alive with a firearm while heading towards a wooded area near his house. "We remain prayerful for his safe return and for everyone affected by the circumstances surrounding his disappearance," Turner family attorney Adrian Collins said in a statement on the family's behalf on November 26, 2025. "We trust God to bring truth and clarity in His time. Any allegations should be addressed through the proper legal process - not through speculation or rumor." Turner's disappearance - and the allegations levied against him - rocked the close knit community of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, where the Union High School football team were forced to press on with the postseason without their coach. Theories About Why Missing HS Football Coach Travis Turner Hasn't Been Found Keep scrolling for a timeline of key dates surrounding Turner's disappearance. November 20, 2025 Travis Turner was last seen by his family. According to multiple media reports, Virginia's Bureau of Criminal Investigation officers were sent to speak to Turner at his home about an open child pornography investigation, though he was not present when they arrived. Virginia State Police later specified that they had no plans to arrest Turner during their visit. November 21, 2025 Wise County Public Schools - the district in which Turner worked - announced on November 21 that an unnamed staff member was placed on administrative leave. "At this time, a staff member has been placed on administrative leave with pay while an external agency reviews an allegation that was reported to us," Wise County Public Schools said in a statement. "This is standard procedure and not a determination of wrongdoing. The division cannot comment further." November 22, 2025 Turner was officially named an "endangered missing person" by Virginia State Police as search operations commenced. November 22, 2025 Turner was not in attendance when his Union High School football team defeated Graham High School, 12-0. At that time, Union High had a perfect 12-0 record. The school appointed interim head coach Jay Edward to step in for Turner during the game. "Today is really about the students here and at Union High School," Wise County Public Schools superintendent Mike Goforth told News Channel 11. "You know, I can't discuss any personnel matters, and I really think that folks need to review the statement that we released yesterday. You can refer to the last statement if there's no further comment at this time." November 24, 2025 Virginia State Police confirmed that an active search was underway for Turner, after he was last seen on November 20, 2025. Virginia State Police 1st Sgt. Jason Day told News Channel 11 that his team had dispatched K9 units and "drones up in the air looking," though their efforts were hampered by bad weather. Police focused their search on "the woods right near the general location of his house" as that's the last place Turner was seen, according to Day. November 25, 2025 Travis' wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, wrote that her husband was "missing and that's all we know" in a since-deleted Facebook post. "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," she wrote. She later deleted her social media entirely. Travis and Leslie share three children: sons Bailey, 25, and Grayden, 21, and daughter Brynlee, 11. November 25, 2025 Virginia State Police confirmed that Travis was being investigated on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. A warrant for his arrest was obtained on November 24 and he was labeled a "fugitive" from justice by authorities. "The Virginia State Police is actively searching for Turner," police said in a statement. The State Police asked for "the public's help in providing any information that may lead to his whereabouts." November 26, 2025 Travis' attorney first addressed allegations that the coach was being investigated for child pornography and solicitation before he disappeared. "We remain prayerful for his safe return and for everyone affected by the circumstances surrounding his disappearance," attorney Adrian Collins said in a statement on the family's behalf. "We trust God to bring truth and clarity in His time. Any allegations should be addressed through the proper legal process - not through speculation or rumor." Collins concluded, "We ask the public and media to show compassion, accuracy, and respect for the family's privacy." November 28, 2025 Collins disclosed in a new statem