Missing football coach Travis Turner disappearance sparks warning from Union High School parents demanding answers from officials

Parents at Union High School in Virginia say they feel angry, confused, and let down. Their former football coach, Travis Turner, has been missing since November 20, 2025. Just days after he disappeared, Virginia State Police announced 10 criminal charges against him. The charges include possession of child pornography and using a computer to solicit a minor. Now, as the search for the 46-year-old coach moves closer to three months, families are asking school leaders tough questions. They believe school officials knew about concerns for years but failed to act. According to local news outlet WJHL, parents met again with the Wise County Board of Education on February 10 to demand answers on an urgent basis. The school board has not shared a public response to these claims. Travis Turner was last seen during what had been an undefeated football season at Union High School. His sudden disappearance shocked the community. Then came the charges, and everything changed.

Parents confront Wise County Board of Education over allegations against Travis Turner

During the February 10 meeting, several parents spoke directly to school officials. Stephen Murray, a Wise County parent, told WJHL that families want transparency and accountability.“I just want to make sure that no one thinks that we’re going to sweep this under the rug like it has been for so many years,” Stephen Murray said. “I just want to keep reminding the citizens of this county that there’s been a lot of abuse and we just need to keep shining a spotlight on it until something changes.”Stephen Murray also said, “I think it’s vital now more than ever that they actually understand that a community is hurting and a community does want change. So, I do hope they’re listening. I think this is just the beginning, and the school board should, you know, get used to seeing these faces and hopefully more and more people show up.”According to WJHL, at least three parents accused the district of not being open about past concerns involving Travis Turner. The Wise County Board of Education has not publicly responded to those claims.Meanwhile, the search continues. Turner’s wife reported him missing to Virginia State Police on November 21. She told authorities she last saw him on November 20 walking into the woods with a firearm. Five days later, police announced the 10 charges.An attorney for Turner’s wife, Leslie Turner, told PEOPLE magazine, “It is not like Travis to disappear or stay away from home.” The attorney also said Leslie Turner did not help him avoid police and that the family is asking him “to come home and face the allegations by defending yourself in a court of law.” As of the latest updates from Virginia State Police and reports from WJHL and PEOPLE, Travis Turner has not been found.