Jimmy Dykes lends a hand to tornado cleanup in Southern Kentucky

Next Monday marks one month since a massive EF-4 tornado tore a 55-mile path of destruction through Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel Counties, claiming 20 lives. Yesterday, a familiar name lent his hands to the cleanup efforts.

Jimmy Dykes was in London on Monday to help plan a “Night of Hope” event for the victims of the tornado. The ESPN basketball analyst and former Kentucky Basketball assistant coach tweeted about the experience, posting a powerful picture of a cross carved into a fallen tree.

“Spent the day in London, Ky. helping to plan a Night Of Hope for the tornado victims from last month’s storm. Nothing says Hope more than a Cross carved from a fallen tree…Lots of prayers and help still needed for people in that area.”

When Jimmy Mahan, who owns the Kentucky Roadshow sports cards and memorabilia store in Lexington, thanked Dykes for volunteering, Dykes talked about how much the state means to him after his time on Eddie Sutton’s staff at Kentucky from 1987-89. Dykes played for Sutton at Arkansas in the early 1980s.

“Ever since I was on the Kentucky MBB staff 30+ years ago, the Bluegrass state has had a special place in my heart. I know and love a lot of great folks in that state.”

Spent the day in London, Ky. helping to plan a Night Of Hope for the tornado victims from last months storm. Nothing says Hope more than a Cross carved from a fallen tree…Lots of prayers and help still needed for people in that area. pic.twitter.com/DavZOktODK

— Jimmy Dykes (@CoachJimmyDykes) June 9, 2025

Ever since I was on the @KentuckyMBB staff 30+ years ago, the Bluegrass state has had a special place in my heart. I know and love a lot of great folks in that state. https://t.co/enigHPuLDM

— Jimmy Dykes (@CoachJimmyDykes) June 10, 2025

Last week, Governor Andy Beshear announced the death of the 20th storm victim, who was later identified as Richard Bates Anderson, who was hit by a tree that fell on his vehicle. Anderson was flown to a hospital in Nashville and passed away on May 30. That incident took place in Ballard County, but most of the deaths occurred in Laurel County when the tornado’s wind speeds peaked at 170 miles per hour and killed nine people in the Sunshine Hills neighborhood. In a letter requesting federal disaster aid, Governor Beshear estimated that 1,500 houses were destroyed or heavily damaged by the storms, and at least 5,000 sustained some damage.

If you’d like to help out, the Governor’s office has a long list of resources. You can also donate to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund.