Introduction
In November 2025, the name Travis Turner sent shockwaves through the world of high school athletics and small-town community trust. Once a revered football coach at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Turner now stands accused on multiple criminal charges — and is reportedly a fugitive. This article unpacks everything from his career and family life to the charges, disappearance, and ongoing investigation, offering a comprehensive update for readers seeking clarity.
Who is Travis Turner — Football Coach and Background
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Coaching role: Turner served as the head football coach and physical-education teacher at Union High School.
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Legacy & roots: Before coaching, Turner had deep ties to local football. He was a standout quarterback at Appalachia High School, which merged into Union High in 2011. His father, Tom Turner — also a longtime coach — was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame.
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Football pedigree: Turner was once part of the 1998 recruiting class at Virginia Tech — the same class as future NFL star Michael Vick — though he later transferred and played collegiately at University of Virginia Wise and Eastern Kentucky University.
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Reputation: Over the years, Turner had built a respected coaching record, earning community admiration and helping steer an undefeated season for Union High in 2025 before the scandal broke.
What Happened — Charges & Disappearance
Charges Filed
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On November 25, 2025, law enforcement — specifically the Virginia State Police (VSP) — obtained 10 warrants against Turner:
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5 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material (child pornography)
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5 counts of using a computer to solicit a minor
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Authorities noted that additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Disappearance & Fugitive Status
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Turner vanished around November 20, 2025, shortly before his team’s regional playoff game. Police were en route to his home in Appalachia, Virginia, for questioning when they discovered he had already left.
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Since then, authorities have declared him a fugitive. A multi-agency manhunt is underway, using drones, K-9 units, search-and-rescue teams, and ground search parties.
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The school district, while remaining tight-lipped due to the active investigation, confirmed that the staff member (believed to be Turner) has been placed on administrative leave and barred from school property or contact with students.
Context: A Troubling Pattern
This is not the first time staff at Union High School have faced serious child-sex crimes allegations. In 2023, a former teacher and coach, Timothy Lee Meador, pleaded guilty to charges including solicitation of a minor and indecent liberties; he served roughly 15 months in prison.
The recurrence of such cases has cast a shadow on the school community, raising serious questions about systemic oversight and student-safety protocols at Union High.
Family — The Wife and Their Statements
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Turner is married to Leslie Caudill Turner. Following the charges and her husband’s disappearance, she initially made a heartfelt public plea on social media, asking for prayers and expressing hope for his safe return.
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She later deleted the post as attention and speculation intensified.
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The family, through their attorney, has denied the allegations. The attorney urged the public and media to allow the legal process to unfold and to respect the family’s privacy.
As of now, the family maintains they are waiting for clarity from authorities — but public sentiment remains deeply divided, reflecting pain, confusion, and concern within the community.
Impact on Football, Union High, and the Community
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Despite the scandal, the Union High football team pushed forward: under interim coaching from assistant coach Jay Edwards, they secured a win in the playoff semifinal and advanced to the regional final.
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For many players — still minors — the emotional burden is heavy. One senior running back, Keith Chandler, spoke about the team’s resolve: “We talked in the huddle … we’re going to have to handle adversity here.”
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The 2023 case involving Meador already had fractured trust; this new scandal threatens to deepen the crisis — potentially jeopardizing enrollment, community support, and the sense of safety many parents expect of their local school.
Latest Updates & What We Know Now
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Authorities have issued 10 criminal warrants against Turner, and he is officially declared a fugitive.
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The search is ongoing, but no confirmed sightings or arrests have been made so far.
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The school district has limited public statements but confirmed compliance with the investigation and assured full cooperation with law enforcement.
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Community reaction remains a mix of shock, grief, and confusion — especially among former athletes, students, and parents who had known Turner as mentor and coach.
FAQs
Q: What exactly is Turner accused of?
A: He faces five counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
Q: Has Turner been arrested?
A: No. As of now, he is considered a fugitive. A manhunt is ongoing.
Q: Did the team stop playing because of this scandal?
A: No. The team continued playing under an interim coach and even advanced to the regional final.
Q: What does the school say about it?
A: The school district confirmed an unnamed staff member was placed on leave and barred from contact with students. They are cooperating with law enforcement, but have withheld further comment due to the ongoing legal process.
Q: Has anything like this happened at Union High before?
A: Yes. In 2023, another coach/teacher, Timothy Lee Meador, pleaded guilty to child solicitation and indecent-liberties charges. Travis Turner
Why This Case Matters — Wider Implications
This case transcends headlines. It touches on larger issues: how communities trust educators; the safety protocols schools employ; and the responsibilities of athletic programs that work with minors. For small towns like Big Stone Gap, where high-school football often isn’t just a sport but a community institution, betrayals like these can reverberate for years — shaking foundations and prompting painful reckonings. If nothing else, the suspicion that accusations against staff are not isolated raises urgent questions about oversight, transparency, and student protection in U.S. high schools.
Conclusion
The story of Travis Turner is one of abrupt fall from grace: from celebrated coach to wanted fugitive within days. The charges against him are grave; the legal and moral weight on Union High School — and the broader community — is enormous. As authorities continue their search and investigation, many questions remain unanswered. What’s certain, however, is that the trust of parents, students, and the town has been profoundly shaken. In the coming days and weeks, the outcome of this case may define not just the fate of one man — but set precedents for how small-town America treats protection, accountability, and transparency in institutions built around youth and sport.
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