Legendary Football Coach John Beam Dies After Shooting on Laney College Campus
John Beam, a renowned football coach featured on Netflix’s “Last Chance U” and the athletic director at Laney College, has passed away at the age of 66, one day after being shot on the Oakland, California campus, according to police. The news was announced by Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell during a news conference on Friday.
Beam’s family expressed their devastation in a statement, saying, “We are devastated that John Beam, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor and friend, has passed.” Piedmont police chief Frederick Shavies, who knew Beam since he was in 8th grade, remembered him as a father figure to thousands of young men and women in the community.
Investigation and Arrest
Police announced that an arrest had been made in connection with the shooting, identifying the suspect as 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr. Irving was located by Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies at the San Leandro BART station around 3:15 a.m. on Friday. A suspect weapon was recovered, and Assistant Police Chief James Beere confirmed that the suspect knew Beam but did not have a close relationship.
Beere described the incident as a “very targeted” attack, stating that Beam was open to helping everyone in the community, and it was not uncommon for him to have a relationship with someone who needed help. The suspect was known to have loitered on or around the campus, and investigators were still determining a motive.
Legacy and Impact
John Beam was a highly respected figure in the football community, having coached over 2,500 players across decades, including multiple current and former National Football League players. His program at Laney College was known for having over 90% of his players graduating or transferring to four-year schools. Beam’s legacy extends beyond his coaching career, with many remembering him as a mentor and father figure who gave young people confidence, structure, and a place to stand.
Mayor Barbara Lee and Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-Oakland) both paid tribute to Beam, with Simon calling his death “a deep loss for Oakland.” Simon emphasized the need to address gun violence in the city, stating that it has cut into their community again and that they cannot accept this as their future.
Beam’s impact on the community was evident in the outpouring of tributes from current and former players, including C.J. Anderson, Marvel Smith, Nahshon Wright, and Rejzhon Wright. The brothers, who currently play for the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints, respectively, posted their thoughts on social media, with Rejzhon Wright writing, “You mean the world to me,” followed by a broken heart emoji.
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