Travis Turner missing in Appalachia, VA: timeline, search updates, and what authorities are asking from the public

The search for Travis Turner—46 years old and widely known in Southwest Virginia high school football—intensified over the weekend after Virginia State Police confirmed he is listed as a missing person. Investigators say they went to Turner’s residence in Appalachia, VA late last week as part of an active inquiry and could not locate him. As of Monday, Nov. 24, the case remains open and developing, with authorities coordinating air and ground resources and asking residents to share credible tips.

What we know about the Travis Turner case

Recent updates indicate that state investigators attempted to interview Turner at his home in Appalachia on Thursday night, Nov. 20. He was not there. By late morning on Friday, Nov. 21, he was formally listed as missing, and the search expanded across Wise County across Friday night and into the weekend. Officials have emphasized that Turner had not been charged with a crime as of the latest confirmed statements; the priority is locating him and ensuring his safety.

Community reports circulated widely on social platforms throughout Saturday and Sunday, prompting repeated reminders from authorities to rely on official updates and avoid spreading unverified claims. Some posts suggested sightings or recovery; those rumors have been dismissed by law-enforcement-aligned updates. The guidance is straightforward: if you have direct information—times, locations, or video that clearly shows Turner—contact state police or local dispatch immediately rather than posting publicly.

Key timeline for Travis Turner in Appalachia, VA

• Thursday, Nov. 20 (evening): Investigators go to Turner’s residence in Appalachia as part of an ongoing inquiry; he is not located.

• Friday, Nov. 21 (morning): Turner is placed on a statewide missing persons list.

• Saturday, Nov. 22: Search activity continues in and around Appalachia and the greater Wise County area.

• Sunday, Nov. 23: Community-driven efforts and renewed alerts keep attention on the case; officials reiterate the need for vetted information only.

• Monday, Nov. 24: Turner remains missing; the investigation and search operations continue.

Note: Times above reflect the most consistent details released in recent days. If officials issue a corrected timeline, this summary will need to be updated.

Community impact in Wise County and across Southwest Virginia

Travis Turner’s absence resonates well beyond Appalachia. As a longtime figure in local football, he is closely connected to student-athletes, families, and alumni across the region. Weekend playoff chatter gave way to neighborhood canvassing, prayer circles, and informal search groups. School communities have communicated basic safety reminders and encouraged students to share any actionable information directly with authorities.

Law enforcement has also been managing a parallel challenge: viral speculation. In fast-moving cases—especially involving recognizable local leaders—misinformation can drain resources and send volunteers to the wrong places. Officials’ repeated guidance underscores one principle: credible tips first, social shares second.

What authorities need now

• Verified leads: Exact times, locations, vehicle descriptions, dashcam footage, outdoor security video, or trail cameras from Thursday evening onward.

• Respect for the search area: If you live near wooded access points, trailheads, or creek lines around Appalachia and Big Stone Gap, check outbuildings and review cameras, then call in findings rather than conduct deep-woods searches on your own.

• Signal boosting with care: Share only official bulletins or confirmed updates to avoid confusion.

Residents who interacted with Turner or saw unusual activity around his neighborhood late Thursday should note precise details. Even small items—like a license plate partial, the direction a vehicle turned, or whether someone was on foot or carrying gear—can help reconstruct a more exact timeline.

Why the Travis Turner search is drawing wider attention

Three factors are driving heightened regional focus:

1. Public role: Turner’s visibility in high school sports means a large network of students and families are directly invested in the outcome.

2. Rugged terrain: The mix of residential streets and nearby wooded areas complicates open-area searches, especially after several nights of fall weather.

3. Developing investigation: The case originated alongside a separate inquiry involving state investigators. Even without charges, that context raises public interest and scrutiny.

What comes next

Expect methodical updates from state police and Wise County officials as they process new tips and refine the search grid. If investigators identify priority zones—creek beds, trail approaches, or utility right-of-ways—residents may see added air support or specialized teams. As always in developing cases, details may evolve; the most reliable information will be the next formal release from authorities.

Anyone with information tied to Thursday evening, Nov. 20, through Monday, Nov. 24 in the Appalachia/Big Stone Gap area should contact law enforcement immediately. Even if a detail feels minor, turn it in—investigators can connect it to other data points and either rule it out or act on it quickly.