Virginia Football Coach Last Seen Entering Woods With Firearm Amid Child Porn Investigation

BIG STONE GAP, VA - What started as a missing person case has turned into a manhunt as police seek missing football coach Travis Turner, who apparently ran into a heavily wooded area with a gun before he vanished, The New York Post reports. 

Turner, who was in the process of leading his Union High School football team during an undefeated season, went missing from his Appalachia, Virginia home on Nov. 20 as police intensified their investigation into his disappearance and related allegations. 

“On behalf of the family of Travis Turner, I wish to express their sincere gratitude to all who have shown concern during this difficult time,” Adrian Collins, a Turner family attorney, said in a statement obtained by WJLA. 

“The last known contact the family had with Travis occurred on or about Thursday, Nov. 20, after he left his residence to walk in the woods with a firearm,” Collins added. 

According to authorities, police were en route to Turner’s home to question him over the child pornography allegations when he disappeared. Collins disputed reports that there were 10 active warrants for Turner’s arrest concerning child sex allegations. 

“He is believed to have entered a heavily wooded and mountainous area. At which point, no warrants had been issued for his arrest,” Collins said.

According to police sources, Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants. 

Turner’s family denies the allegations against him and calls him a “good dad and a good husband.” 

Turner’s wife, Leslie, reported him missing after he failed to return home the night he left and filed a missing persons report with the Virginia State Police on Nov. 21, Collins said. 

“The family has cooperated with law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to locate Travis,” he continued. 

Turner’s family has conducted their own search through the wooded area; however, they have been stymied by poor weather conditions as they also attempt to stay out of the way of the police investigation, Collins said. 

He continued that Turner’s family prays for a safe return and hopes he will have the chance to defend himself in court. 

While it is unknown the type of firearm Turner allegedly had, his wife ignored rumors that he was seen carrying a rifle and told the Daily Mail she was advised “not to comment.” 

Turner was placed on administrative leave by the Wise County Public Schools, which oversees Union High. The leave took effect four days after he vanished. Turner’s bio has since been deleted from the school’s website. His son Bailey, who also works there, still appears. There is no varsity football coach listed. Turner has worked for the school for 11 years as both a coach and a phys ed teacher.