by Oakland, CA — The Oakland community is grieving the loss of John Beam, a 66-year-old legendary football coach and Netflix’s “Last Chance U” star, who died on Friday after being shot inside the Laney College field house. According to investigators, the attack was a “very targeted incident.”
Beam, who served as Laney College’s Athletic Director and had a storied career spanning more than four decades, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition on Thursday. Despite extensive efforts, he passed away the next morning around 10 a.m.
His family released a heartfelt statement describing him as a “loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor and friend” and asked the public to respect their privacy during this devastating time.
Suspect Arrested in Connection With the Shooting
Police have arrested 27-year-old Cedric Irving in connection with the fatal attack. Oakland Police Assistant Chief James Beere stated that Irving knew of Coach Beam but did not have a direct personal relationship with him. Irving previously attended Skyline High School — where Beam coached — but not during the same period.
Authorities revealed that Irving had been known to loiter around the Laney College campus, though he was not previously on law enforcement’s radar.
Investigators recovered a gun of the same caliber as the bullets and casings found at the scene. Surveillance footage from college cameras, nearby homes, and public transit played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspect. Charges are currently pending.
Irving’s brother, Samuael Irving, shared that Cedric had once been a strong student and athlete but had grown distant from the family after a dispute with their father.
“It’s painful,” he told local reporters upon learning of his brother’s arrest.
Beam’s Legacy in Oakland and Beyond
Coach John Beam was widely revered for his impact on young athletes throughout Oakland, California. Since joining Laney College in 2004 as a running backs coach — and later becoming head coach in 2012 — he led the Laney Eagles to two league titles.
His influence extended far beyond the field:
- 20 of his former players reached the NFL, including brothers Nahshon and Rejzohn Wright, currently with the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.
- The Wright brothers both posted emotional tributes, with Rejzohn writing, “You mean the world to me,” alongside a photo of Beam.
- Beam was featured in the 2020 season of Netflix’s documentary series “Last Chance U,” which highlighted his mentorship and leadership style.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee honored him as a “giant” in the community — a mentor, educator, and lifeline for countless young people.
Piedmont Police Chief Frederick Shavies echoed similar sentiments, calling him an “absolutely incredible human being.”
Community on Edge After Back-to-Back Campus Incidents
Beam’s death came just one day after another shooting at Skyline High School, where a student was wounded but is currently in stable condition. Although unrelated, the two incidents have rattled families, students, and educators across Oakland.
City officials, former players, parents, and alumni have been expressing shock and heartbreak over the loss of a man widely regarded as the backbone of several athletic programs.
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