The United States Marshals Service has issued a reward for missing Virginia high school football coach Travis Turner.
USMS is offering up to $5,000 for information about the disappearance of Turner, 46, who vanished into the woods behind his family’s home on November 20.
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 U.S. Marshals warned that Turner “may be armed” and encouraged people to “use caution.”
Theories About Why Missing HS Football Coach Travis Turner Hasn’t Been Found
Turner, who has coached at Union High School in Stone Gap, Virginia, since 2011, is listed as 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen disappearing into the woods behind his family’s home in Wise, Virginia, with a firearm, according to a statement from the Turner family attorney, Adrian Collins, on Friday, November 28.
“On behalf of the family of Travis Turner, I wish to express their sincere gratitude to all who have shown concern during this difficult time,” the statement read. “The last known contact the family had with Travis occurred on or about Thursday, November 20, after he left his residence to walk in the woods with a firearm. He is believed to have entered a heavily wooded and mountainous area.”
The statement continued, “The family has cooperated fully with law-enforcement in their ongoing efforts to locate Travis. Family members and friends have also conducted search efforts in the surrounding woods. These efforts have been limited by weather conditions and with respect for the official operations underway.”
Turner’s disappearance came shortly before he was charged with five counts of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor, which Virginia State Police announced on November 21.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 25, the Turner family attorney responded to the charges levied against the football coach.
“We remain prayerful for his safe return and for everyone affected by the circumstances surrounding his disappearance,” the statement read. “We trust God to bring truth and clarity in His time. Any allegations should be addressed through the proper legal process — not through speculation or rumor.”
The statement continued, “We ask the public and media to show compassion, accuracy, and respect for the family’s privacy.”
Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, directly addressed 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.”
Missing H.S. Football Coach’s Team Makes Semifinals After Disappearance
Travis and Leslie share three children: sons Bailey, 25, and Grayden, 21, and daughter Brynlee, 11.
In Travis’ absence, Union High continued their undefeated season — with assistant coach Bailey on the sideline — when they defeated rival Ridgeview High School in the state playoffs on Saturday, November 29.
Bailey called the win “bittersweet” amid his father’s absence, according to the Daily Mail.
Union advanced to the Class 2 semifinals against Glenvar High School on Saturday, December 6.
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