Search for Missing High School Football Coach Travis Turner Remains ‘Active,’ Public’s Assistance Sought

Nearly two weeks after he suddenly disappeared from his Virginia home, the search for missing high school football coach Travis Turner remains in full force.

“The search remains active and ongoing with the assistance of the US Marshals Service and FBI,” a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police told Us Weekly on Wednesday, December 3. “We are still asking for the public’s assistance in providing any information that may lead to Turner’s whereabouts.”

The VSP said they are “following up on all tips received.”

The U.S. Marshals issued a $5,000 reward for information about Turner’s whereabouts on Monday, December 1. 

Any individual with a tip about Turner’s location is encouraged to call 911 or the Virginia State Police, or visit usmarshals.gov/tips. 

The Marshals warned that Turner, 46, “may be armed” and urged the public to use caution. 

The Turner family attorney, Adrian Collins, revealed that Turner disappeared into the woods “with a firearm” on November 20. 

Days after his disappearance, Turner was charged with five counts of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. 

Additional charges against Turner are currently pending and he is considered a “fugitive.” 

The U.S. Marshals descended on Wise County, Virginia, on Monday to assist in the search for Turner, the head football coach at Union High School in Stone Gap, Virginia. 

The search has focused on the expansive wooded area near Turner’s home, which is full of varying elevations and rivers. 

According to VSP, the search has employed the use of K-9 units, drones and a helicopter. 

The Turner family has also executed their own search parties, according to their attorney.

“Family members and friends have also conducted search efforts in the surrounding woods,” the attorney’s statement said. “These efforts have been limited by weather conditions and with respect for the official operations underway.”

The statement added, “It is the family’s prayer that Travis is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law.”

Travis has been married to his wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, since 2001. The couple shares three children: sons Bailey, 25, and Grayden, 21, and daughter Brynlee, 11. 

Leslie responded to the charges against her husband on November 25. 

“None of that is true,” Leslie told the Daily Mail. “He’s a good dad and a good husband and we want him home. That’s it.”

She added, ​​”I don’t know anything. I don’t know anything. I’m sorry.”

Leslie said she and her family are “just hanging in there until we get news.”

Amid Travis’ disappearance, his Union High football team continued their undefeated season and earned a trip to the Virginia High School League Region 2D state semifinals with a win over rival Ridgeview High School on November 19. 

Bailey, a coach on the team, said the win was “bittersweet” given the circumstances, according to the Daily Mail. He also said his family “appreciated the support” during his father’s absence.

Union High plays Glenvar High School in the state semifinals on Saturday, December 6.