Travis Turner, the head football coach at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, has been reported missing during what should be a triumphant time for his team, which remains unbeaten this season.
The Virginia State Police announced that Turner was officially declared missing on Sunday, with his last sighting occurring on Thursday.
Authorities had visited Turner’s home on Thursday evening to respond to a complaint—not to make an arrest—but upon their arrival, Turner was nowhere to be found.
State police have noted that the last sighting of Turner described him wearing a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants.
Despite Turner’s mysterious absence, the Union High football team continues to forge ahead. The Bears advanced to the regional semifinals after completing an 11-0 regular season. This success comes under the guidance of assistant coach Jay Edwards, who has stepped up as interim head coach following Turner’s disappearance.
The Bears advanced to a regional semifinal — after an 11-0 regular season — under the leadership of assistant coach turned interim head coach Jay Edwards, one day after Turner went missing.
Union emerged with a 12-0 win against Graham High School in Virginia despite the news.
They will face Ridgeview High School in a regional title match-up next.
Search efforts in Wise County have ramped up, involving drones, K-9 units, and multiple law enforcement agencies, per News Channel 11.
“We have had the drones up in the air looking, searching,” Jason Day of the State Police said on WJHL. “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.”
