Reed Sheppard joins clean-up effort following deadly tornadoes in Laurel County

Reed Sheppard‘s hometown of London, Kentucky has experienced unthinkable devastation with lives taken and the community torn apart following late-night tornadoes sweeping through the area. The death total is approaching two dozen and counting while the photos and videos will leave you feeling helpless and broken for this state, one that has experienced far too much tragedy in recent years.

The former Wildcat’s response, though, will leave you teary-eyed and remind you that no disaster can take away Kentucky’s unwavering strength.

As the world woke up to Laurel County at its lowest point, Sheppard provided hope, throwing on his gloves and boots to help clean up — not knowing he’d be photographed or his efforts would go viral.

He didn’t do it for the attention, only to give his community a shoulder to lean on.

“I know you’ve been tired of hearing it from me for years but let this speak for itself. Reed knew the devastation his hometown received and wanted to do something to help,” London resident Joshua Maxey wrote on social media. “He called me up to ask what he could do, I said ‘just show up man, i’ll pick you up in 20 minutes’ if only for a minute it’ll lift some people who’s lost everything’s spirit. That wasn’t enough for him he had to do more.”

Sheppard was one of hundreds pitching in all day — the first of many to come.

“We’ve worked like dogs for the best part of the day and he picked up belonging’s, toys, roofs, 2×4’s and everything you can imagine and seen the hurt our people were going through yet all he done was like always, he was just Reed he was one of them.” Maxey continued. “Never forgetting where he came from but being a shoulder to cry on to complete strangers and comforting them with words. This is why we ALL LOVE him. He is the epitome of raised right and going above and beyond. Trust me you’ll never find a better human being than Reed Sheppard.

“He will wanna kill me for taking these pictures but I couldn’t help it, the world needs to knows there’s still good people that don’t forget where they came from.”

A special kid from a special family giving the 606 community exactly what it needs right now: hope.

More than 20 people have died with others in critical condition as Laurel and Pulaski counties sift through the rubble figuring out the extent of the damage and ensuing casualties.

Those associated with the Kentucky men’s basketball program have made it clear they won’t be taking on this fight alone.

“I’m heartbroken over the devastation from the deadly tornadoes that ravaged our great state earlier today,” Mark Pope shared Saturday. “Our people have endured numerous natural disasters over the course of several years, but what I know about Kentuckians is this: we are resilient. We will mourn together. We believe in one another. We will stand together and rebuild together. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.”

“Prayers for all the people who suffered loss last night during the tornadoes. You are all in our prayers,” Jasper Johnson added.

“Praying for the victims, their families, and all affected by the tornadoes in Laurel County, Pulaski County, & across Kentucky. Psalms 28:7,” Malachi Moreno said.

Kentucky strong.