High school coach wanted on child porn charges last seen walking to woods with gun, family says

BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WCYB) - The search continues for a high school football coach from Virginia who went missing during an undefeated season for his team.

Union High School head football coach Travis Turner is missing and considered a fugitive. He is wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Additional charges are pending.

Officials with the Virginia State Police launched a search for Turner after family members say he was last seen Nov. 20 walking to the woods with a firearm, according to a statement from Adrian Collins, an attorney for the family. VSP has not confirmed the details pertaining to the firearm.

Collins says the family is praying that Turner is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law.

Turner is no longer listed on Union High’s website as a staff member.

Despite the circumstances, Turner’s team continues to play in their undefeated season, beating Ridgeview High School 21-14 Saturday for the regional championship. With the win, they advanced to the state semi-finals.

As the search for and investigation into Turner continues, authorities ask anyone with information to come forward and help bring closure.