The sudden disappearance of a high school football coach in the midst of an undefeated season has taken a new twist. The school district has disclosed that an unidentified staff member has been put on leave due to an ongoing investigation. Travis Turner, the head coach at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, was reported missing last week and is still listed as such on the Virginia State Police database.
Turner’s disappearance coincided with the police’s visit to his home in Appalachia as part of an early-stage investigation. The police, however, did not disclose the nature of the probe. They clarified that their visit was not intended to arrest Turner. While en route to his home, the officers were informed that Turner was no longer at the location.
Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, took to social media to express her concern. In a now-deleted Facebook post, she confirmed that her husband was missing and pleaded for prayers for his safe return. She wrote, “We love him and need him here with us. Just keep praying that he comes home.”
On the same day, officials at Wise County Public Schools, which oversees Union High, announced that a district employee had been put on administrative leave. However, they did not reveal the identity of the person or whether the leave was connected to Turner’s case.
The school district stated, “A staff member has been placed on administrative leave with pay while an external agency reviews an allegation that was reported to the division. This is standard procedure and not a determination of wrongdoing. This situation also involves an active law-enforcement matter, and the division cannot comment further.”
The Virginia State Police have deployed various resources, including search and rescue teams, drones, and K9 units, in their efforts to locate Turner. However, as of now, Turner remains missing and the investigation is ongoing.
Turner’s disappearance has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory season for his team, given their undefeated record. In his absence, the school’s assistant coach, Jay Edwards, has taken over all coaching responsibilities.