Authorities in Virginia said they’re still searching for former high school football coach Travis Turner almost a year after he disappeared into an Appalachian forest when police sought to arrest him on child sex crime charges.
The U.S. Marshals Service said its case for Mr. Turner remains active, but did not provide updates on how often the agency is surveying the dense woodlands surrounding Big Stone Gap in the southwestern part of the state.
A spokesperson for Virginia State Police said their search is ongoing, but “unfortunately, we do not have any new information to share at this time.”
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The Washington Times also contacted the Black Diamond Search and Rescue Council, a volunteer-led organization that helps find people stranded in the wilderness and was assisting in the search, but has not heard back.
Virginia State Police said they investigated nearly 180 leads in a search update earlier this year, but none has led to Mr. Turner’s whereabouts.
Police have used drones, K9s and search parties to investigate the mountainous forest where Mr. Turner went missing last year.
His family said he left the home on Nov. 20 and wandered into the woods with only a firearm — leaving behind his wallet, keys, glasses and required daily medication.
At the time of his disappearance, state police said they were heading to Mr. Turner’s residence for an undisclosed reason.
Authorities later revealed Mr. Turner, 47, was wanted on several charges of child pornography possession and using a computer to solicit a minor. A Wise County judge ordered all records related to Mr. Turner’s criminal case sealed.
Adrian Collins, an attorney hired by the family, said Mr. Turner’s wife did not know her husband was a criminal suspect when she filed his missing persons report and was not helping him escape justice.
“If Travis has the ability and is able to respond to his family’s wishes: your wife and children are in distress. Leslie pleads for you to come home and face the allegations by defending yourself in a court of law,” Mr. Collins said in a statement last November.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Collins’ office confirmed it’s still representing the Turner family, but has not provided further comment.
Mr. Turner taught physical education and was the head football coach at Union High School last fall. The school formally terminated his employment in February.
Union High’s football team was in the middle of an undefeated season when Mr. Turner vanished into the wilderness.
Two days after Mr. Turner went missing, the team ascended to 12-0 after claiming a 21-14 victory over Ridgeview High School in the region championship.
The Bears ultimately lost a 21-20 heartbreaker to Glenvar High School in the state semifinals the following week.
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