‘You'll never find a better human being': Reed Sheppard assists Kentucky's tornado relief

USA Today

18-05-2025

'You'll never find a better human being': Reed Sheppard assists Kentucky's tornado relief 'Trust me, you'll never find a better human being than Reed Sheppard,' a resident of London, Kentucky, wrote after Sheppard's tornado relief efforts. 'He is the epitome of raised right.'
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard is a native of London, Kentucky, which suffered significant devastation late last week due to a deadly tornado outbreak.
On his personal Instagram account, Sheppard posted a story asking followers to offer financial support, if at all possible. But on a personal level, Sheppard went the extra mile.
In a post showing pictures of Sheppard personally assisting in cleanup efforts, London resident Joshua Maxey wrote on his Facebook and Instagram accounts:
Reed knew the devastation his hometown received and wanted to do something to help. 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 lost everything... (their) spirit.'
That wasn't enough for him. He had to do more. We've worked like dogs for the best part of the day and he picked up belongings, toys, roofs, two-by-fours (wood), and everything you can imagine. We've seen the hurt our people were going through. Yet all he's done, like always... he was just Reed. He was one of them.
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.
Now 20 years old, Sheppard played college basketball at the nearby University of Kentucky before being drafted by Houston at No. 3 overall in the 2024 first round.
In a statement posted to his Instagram, Sheppard wrote:
This is where I grew up. Where I learned what hard work, heart, and grit really mean. And now, my hometown is hurting.
The tornado that hit London left behind so much devastation. Families withour homes, and people without basic necessities. But if there's one thing I know about London, it's that we don't back down. We help each other. We rebuild.
I'm asking you to keep Laurel County in your thoughts and prayers. And if you're able to give or support in any way.
Sheppard did not link to a specific relief program, though Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear posted www.teamkystormrelieffund.ky.gov as a location to do so. 'From funeral expenses for those lost to help rebuilding, every dollar goes directly to Kentuckians affected,' Beshear writes.
More: As Rockets turn focus to 2025-26, Reed Sheppard likely to become a bigger part of formula