Respected high school football coach Travis Turner’s gone missing amid serious child p*rnography allegations. The 46-year-old disappeared on Nov. 20, hours before Virginia State Police arrived to question him.
Now a fugitive, he was reportedly last seen walking into a wooded area near his home in Appalachia. He was armed with a firearm.
When new details emerged, it was revealed that his wife had reported him missing the next day, as he hadn’t returned home. Authorities, however, haven’t officially confirmed if Turner was aware of the charges. The family’s attorney stated he was walking into the woods before his disappearance. The Virginia State Police are focusing efforts on the mountainous terrain where Turner was last seen.
“None of that is true. He’s a good dad and a good husband and we want him home. That’s it.” This defense from Turner’s wife, Leslie, came in response to allegations of child pornography and solicitation of minors, per Daily Mail.
The wife exclusively also told the outlet that she’s unaware of everything that’s going on. “I don’t know anything. I don’t know anything. I’m sorry,” she said. Despite the personal turmoil, Turner’s Union Bears are still moving forward in the playoffs under assistant coach Jay Edward.
Travis Turner’s Final Interview Before Disappearance
Turner left behind a pretty haunting last interview before disappearing. In his final post-game chat, he praised his team after a 40-7 playoff win over Lee High School. He alluded to overcoming adversity and preparing for a tough matchup against Graham High.
“It’s gonna be a challenge, and yeah we get this far in the playoffs, they’re all gonna be tough,” he said, unaware it’d be his last words in front of the camera.
Just days later, Turner vanished, leaving assistant coach Edward to lead the Bears in a 12-0 win over Graham on November 22. Despite the drama, the team’s undefeated streak continued, pushing their record to 11-0. The Bears now prep for the Region 2D title game against Ridgeview.
