John Beam: 'Last Chance U' Coach Dies in Oakland Shooting

Tragedy Strikes: 'Last Chance U' Icon John Beam Dies After Campus Shooting

In a devastating blow to the Bay Area community, John Beam, the beloved former football coach featured in Netflix's "Last Chance U" and Laney College's athletic director, has died after being shot on campus Thursday. The 66-year-old coaching legend succumbed to his injuries at Highland Hospital, leaving a legacy of mentorship and impact that transcends touchdowns.

The Shooting: Targeted Violence in the Heart of Oakland

The incident unfolded around noon at Laney College's fieldhouse, where Beam was present for an unspecified purpose. Oakland police identified the suspect as 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr., who was arrested without incident Friday morning at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station in San Leandro. Authorities recovered a firearm during his arrest.

Although Irving knew Beam, police clarified they did not share a close relationship. "Coach Beam, although they did not have a close relationship, was open to helping everybody in our community," Assistant Chief James Beere stated. "This was a very targeted incident." The shooting is not linked to robbery, and Irving—who played football at Skyline High School but not during Beam's tenure there—was known for loitering on campus.

Beam's Enduring Legacy: Beyond the Field

Beam's impact extended far beyond football. As head coach at Laney since 2012 until stepping down in 2024, he amassed a 160-33-3 record at Skyline High before joining Laney. His work earned him a starring role in Netflix's "Last Chance U" Season 5 (2020), where his empathetic approach to coaching at-risk youth resonated globally. Over 20 of his players reached the NFL, including Chicago Bears' Nahshon Wright and New Orleans Saints' Rejzohn Wright, who publicly mourned him.

"You mean the world to me," Wright captioned an Instagram photo of him and Beam. NBA star Damian Lillard also credited Beam with giving him his first job at Laney football games. "For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field," Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee reflected in a statement.

Community in Mourning: Calls for Change

The Peralta Community College District, which includes Laney, described the community as "devastated." Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson called Beam "a renowned coach, teacher, mentor, and leader" whose influence reached far beyond athletics. Campus lockdowns and counseling services followed the shooting, which occurred just one day after a separate incident at Skyline High School left a juvenile injured.

Mayor Lee condemned the violence, stating, "Schools should be the safest spaces in our city. We need guns off our streets now." Beam's death marks Oakland's second school-related shooting in 48 hours, amplifying urgent calls for gun reform.

What's Next?

As investigators continue examining the motives behind the shooting, the focus remains on honoring Beam's legacy. Plans for memorials are expected, while his former players and students grapple with the loss of a figure who "never stopped fighting for them." The tragedy underscores the pervasive issue of gun violence in America's schools, leaving the community questioning how to prevent such devastation in the future.

Remembering a Giant

John Beam's story is one of resilience and unwavering commitment to youth. Whether through his "Last Chance U" portrayal or his decades-long coaching career, he demonstrated that true success lies in empowering others. As the Bay Area mourns, his mantra of "giving second chances" lives on in the thousands of lives he transformed.