UK coach Mark Pope and Reed Sheppard help clean up Kentucky storm damage
University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope went to London to help clean up damage from deadly storms that left widespread destruction and killed at least 19 people this weekend.
A photo of Pope on top of a home’s roof circulated quickly Sunday on social media. Pope can be seen helping to remove a fallen tree limb.
Shane Bundy, a London native, posted the photo late Sunday morning, and it was shared by Kentucky Sports Radio.
Pope said people don’t need to know anyone from London to come help, Bundy told the Herald-Leader.
Pope joined Reed Sheppard, a former North Laurel High School and UK basketball star who now plays for the Houston Rockets, helping neighbors pick up storm debris.
Sheppard played for the University of Kentucky during the 2023-2024 season, averaging 12.5 points per game. He was drafted in the first round with the third overall pick by the Houston Rockets in 2024.
Storms ripped through Laurel and Pulaski counties Friday night into Saturday.
The National Weather Service confirmed at least one tornado touched down in Russell County and moved into Pulaski County, and confirmation of additional tornadoes may come in the next day or two.
This story was originally published May 18, 2025 at 2:49 PM.
