Martin Kove, known for playing John Kreese in The Karate Kid franchise and Cobra Kai, was forced to evacuate his Nashville, Tennessee home after heavy rainfall caused severe flooding. The actor shared the news on social media, revealing that first responders arrived by boat to rescue him, his partner, and their new puppy, Winston. He posted: "Well, I had to evacuate my house in Nashville. They had to bring a boat up to my front door. We made it out. My new dog Winston and my lady friend and house are fine."
Rescue and Response
Kove shared a clip of the intense floods near his home and a picture with the first responders who helped him. He praised the crew online, writing: "In Kreese fashion, but God bless the fire department first responders, they showed that flood shows no mercy! Cobra Kai never dies!" Fans expressed their concern and well-wishes in the comments, with one writing, "Glad you guys are safe!!" and another echoing, "Glad you're all safe, Godspeed." The Williamson County Fire and Rescue service replied: "Happy to help! We are thankful for everyone's safety!"
Details of the Flood
Kove told FOX 17 News that he had recently returned home with his 12-week-old puppy after picking him up from a breeder in Omaha. As the heavy rain continued, he noticed the water surrounding his home rising. He described the scene: "I'm sitting in the back, watching a movie, and then all of a sudden I get up, and I just look out the back, and there's a river, like a major river, like a Mississippi River. I had not expected anything like this; the entire house was surrounded."
Impact and Aftermath
Kove, who has lived at the property for about five years, said he had never witnessed flooding this severe. Emergency responders reached his property by boat, and he estimated around 25 emergency vehicles gathered near the end of his driveway. He repeatedly thanked the firefighters, police officers, and other first responders, saying: "We don't realise that these people put themselves on the line. They put their lives on the line to save the 12-week-old beast and, you know, myself and my lady." The rescue team joked about Kreese's "no mercy" philosophy, and Kove chuckled: "The responders said that. They said, 'There was no mercy here'. But there was mercy here. Martin Kove received a lot of mercy from God." Although the floodwater didn't enter his home, the property sustained damage, including fencing and outdoor furniture that were swept away, and a chair from an old barn was left lodged in a tree.
