Mon Nov 24 09:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Search Intensifies for Missing Virginia High School Football Coach

Appalachia, VA – November 23, 2025 – A massive search is underway for Travis L. Turner, the head football coach of Union High School in Appalachia, Virginia, who has been missing since Thursday evening. The Virginia State Police (VSP) confirmed their active involvement in the search for the 46-year-old coach, whose disappearance coincides with an undefeated season and playoff run for the Union Bears.

According to the VSP, troopers were en route to Turner’s residence on Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation, but discovered he was not there, raising concerns for his well-being. Authorities have clarified they were not planning to arrest Turner, but wished to make contact with him as part of their inquiries.

The search efforts have focused on the wooded area surrounding Turner’s home, his last known location. The VSP has deployed drones, K-9 units, and bloodhounds from local departments to aid in the search. Weather conditions hampered aerial assistance yesterday.

“We have had the drones up in the air looking, searching,” said Jason Day of the VSP. “We tried to, get the state police aviation, but they were unable to fly yesterday because of the weather. We’ve had, K-9 units, bloodhounds from local departments, sheriff’s office here, and wise state police dogs into the woods, searching, you know, the local area of last known, place where, Mr. Turner may have been or had seen.”

The circumstances surrounding Turner’s disappearance are further complicated by an ongoing external investigation within Wise County Public Schools, which has led to an unnamed employee being placed on administrative leave. School officials have declined to comment on the personnel matter.

Despite the unsettling situation, the Union Bears managed to secure a 12-0 victory against Graham High School in their regional semifinal game yesterday. Assistant Coach Jay Edwards has stepped in to assume coaching duties in Turner’s absence. Superintendent Mike Goforth confirmed that Union will face Ridgeview High School in the regional title showdown.

The VSP has vowed to continue the search for Turner until he is located. He is currently listed as a missing person in the Virginia State Police database. The search is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.

Read More