Parents Demand Accountability in Ongoing Search for Missing High School Coach
Union High School football coach Travis Turner has been missing for nearly three months, and parents in Virginia are voicing their frustrations with local officials.
Turner vanished into the woods behind his home on November 20, 2025, just before facing serious charges: five counts of child pornography and five counts of soliciting a minor online.
On February 9, a school board meeting took place in Wise County, Virginia, marking the third such gathering since Turner’s disappearance.
“I just want to keep applying pressure,” said Stephen Murray, a concerned parent, during the meeting. “We can’t let this be swept under the rug like it has been for so many years. The community needs to remember that there’s been a lot of abuse, and we must keep shining a spotlight on it until something changes.”
In 2023, Union High School faced another scandal when former teacher Timothy Lee Meador was indicted on multiple felony charges and later pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent liberties with a child. He served 15 months in prison and is now banned from school property.
Another community member criticized the school district for its “lack of transparency” following Turner’s disappearance.
During the meeting, board members did not respond to any comments made by attendees, stating they would address concerns at a future gathering.
Turner was last seen by family members walking into the wooded area behind his home while carrying a rifle.
A statement from the Turners’ attorney, released on December 3, 2025, detailed the family’s concerns: “Our last contact with Travis causes us great concern for his well-being.”
The statement revealed that “Travis’ car and keys were left at home. He wore contact lenses during the day and glasses at night; both were left behind. His wallet, license, cash, and all its contents remained at home.”
The family further noted that “Travis is prescribed certain daily medications which he needs; those were also left in the home. It is not like Travis to disappear or stay away from home.”
Married since 2001 to Leslie Caudill Turner, the couple has three children: Bailey, 25, who is part of the football staff at Union High; Grayden, 21; and Brynlee, 11.
“Leslie pleads for you to come home and face the allegations by defending yourself in a court of law,” the family urged. “Don’t leave your family to fight this battle without you. They love and miss you. They want you to know they are your support.”
