The devastated son of fugitive Virginia football coach Travis Turner celebrated a “bittersweet” win after his father’s team kept its undefeated season alive Saturday night – even as cops continue their hunt for the accused child predator.
Bailey Turner, 23, fought back tears as he slipped off the sidelines after Union High School – the team his father has long coached in the football-loving community of Big Stone Gap – beat Ridgeview High School in a 21-14 victory, the Daily Mail reported.
The reeling son, a former quarterback who graduated in 2019, told the outlet the win was “bittersweet,” as his father faces shocking allegations that he possessed child porn and tried to have sex with a minor.
Turner noted his family also “appreciated the support” they’ve received.
During the game, dozens of fans reportedly swarmed him for photos, hugged him, and offered words of support as police continue their sprawling manhunt for the wanted celebrity coach.
Travis Turner, 46, has been missing since Nov. 20, when he seemingly vanished without a trace as Virginia State Police were en route to his Appalachia home to question him over the disturbing allegations.
While he was initially not charged with any crimes, police on Monday issued ten arrest warrants, charging him with five counts of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor
Turner was declared a fugitive on Tuesday, with his family denying the allegations against him.
Since then, authorities have released few details about the investigation or updates on the search, as they continue to scour the mountainous countryside.
Turner’s wife, Leslie Turner, also 46, has denied the charges brought against her husband.
“None of that is true. He’s a good dad and a good husband,” she previously told the Daily Mail.
The star head grid coach — who disappeared during an undefeated season — was also a physical education teacher at the tight-kit school of about 600 students.
