Union High School head football coach Travis Turner, 46, went missing on November 20 while leading his team to an unbeaten 11-0 campaign in Wise County, Virginia. Authorities say they were heading to his home that evening as part of an ongoing investigative matter, but found he had already left the residence. He is now listed as a missing person by the state police.
The school district has also placed an unidentified staff member on administrative leave as an outside agency reviews an allegation linked to the case. Officials have not confirmed whether that individual is Turner or connected to his disappearance. The team is currently being coached by assistant Jay Edwards during the search.
Search efforts by the state police and other agencies include drones, K-9 units and ground crews. The community and football program are reeling from the sudden absence of their coach just as they advance to the regional championship rounds.