The Oakland sports community is in mourning after the fatal shooting of John Beam, the beloved Laney College football coach, athletic director, and nationally recognized figure from Netflix’s docuseries Last Chance U. Beam, 66, was shot on the Laney College campus on Thursday and died from his injuries early Friday morning.
A Targeted Attack on Campus
According to the Oakland Police Department, the shooting occurred inside the college’s field house shortly before noon. Investigators quickly determined that the attack was not random. Assistant Police Chief James Beere described the incident as “very targeted,” noting that the suspect entered the campus specifically to confront Beam.
Police arrested 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr. early Friday at a BART station in San Leandro. Officers recovered a firearm believed to match shell casings found at the scene. Authorities confirmed that Beam and Irving knew of each other, though they did not have a close personal relationship. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
A Legacy That Transcended Football
Beam’s impact on Oakland athletics spanned more than four decades. He began coaching in 1979 and became known for developing young athletes both on and off the field. At Skyline High School, his teams earned multiple championships before he transitioned to Laney College, where he eventually became head coach and athletic director.
In 2018, Beam guided the Laney Eagles to a California Community College Athletic Association state championship—one of the proudest achievements of his career.
His influence reached millions when he was featured in Season 5 of Netflix’s Last Chance U. The series highlighted Beam’s no-nonsense coaching style, his deep commitment to student-athletes, and the challenges facing community college football programs. His portrayal earned him widespread respect and admiration far beyond Oakland.
Outpouring of Grief
Vigils quickly formed at Laney College as community members, former players, and colleagues gathered to honor Beam’s life. Many described him as a mentor, father figure, and guiding force for generations of young men and women.
City leaders also expressed heartbreak. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee called Beam “a giant in our community” who believed in youth when they needed someone to believe in them most.”
Beam’s family released a brief statement thanking the community for its overwhelming support and requesting privacy as they process the tragedy.
The Investigation Continues
Cedric Irving Jr. is expected to face murder and weapons charges as detectives continue to piece together what led to the fatal encounter. Police are reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses as they work to determine a motive.
Beam’s death leaves an immeasurable void at Laney College and across the Bay Area, where his influence will be felt for years to come. His legacy—as a coach, mentor, and star of Last Chance U—remains etched in the lives he shaped and the community he uplifted.
