Oakland Mourns John Beam, “Last Chance U” Coach, After Fatal Shooting
A beloved figure in Oakland’s athletic community, john Beam, former Laney College football coach adn current athletic director, tragically died on friday, February 9, one day after being shot on the school’s campus, according to police reports.
The shooting, wich occurred late Thursday morning at the Laney College Fieldhouse, sent shockwaves through the city and beyond. Beam, widely known for his appearance in the Netflix docuseries “Last Chance U”, was 58 years old.
Family Statement
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and friend, John Beam,” the family said in a statement released at a Friday afternoon news conference. “Our hearts are full from the outpouring of love and support from all who cared about him. We are deeply grateful for your continued prayers,well wishes and thoughts. At this time, we kindly ask everyone to fully respect our family’s privacy.”
A Legacy of mentorship and Impact
Beam’s influence extended far beyond the football field. He began his tenure at Laney College in 2004 as a running backs coach, ascending to the position of head coach in 2012. During his leadership, the Laney College Eagles secured two league titles, and notably, 20 of his players went on to play in the NFL.
Former players, including chicago bears player Nahshon Wright and New Orleans Saints player Rejzohn Wright, publicly expressed their grief and remembrance on social media following the shooting.
The “Last Chance U” series, which chronicled the journeys of athletes at junior colleges, featured Beam and the Laney College Eagles during the 2020 season, bringing national attention to his dedication and the programme’s mission.
Community Grief and a Search for Answers
The loss has been deeply felt throughout the Oakland community. Piedmont Police Chief Frederick Shavies, a former deputy chief in Oakland and a longtime admirer of Beam, described the coach as “so much more than a coach.” Shavies continued, “He was a father figure to thousands of not only men but young women in our community. I know that I am not eloquent enough to put into words the indelible mark that Coach Beam has left on so many, not just in this region but around the state and around the nation.”
Shavies shared a personal story, recounting how Beam had been a consistent source of support as Shavies was a teenager, following the loss of his own father. Hundreds gathered Thursday night for a vigil outside the hospital where Beam was being treated, a testament to the widespread respect and affection he commanded.
oakland Mayor Barbara lee lauded Beam’s four decades of mentoring youth in Oakland,stating,”Coach Beam’s legacy isn’t measured in championships or statistics. It’s measured in the thousands of young people he believed in, mentored, and refused to abandon, including my nephew, while at Skyline High School. He gave Oakland’s youth their best chance,and he never stopped fighting for them.”
Arrest made in Connection with shooting
Authorities have arrested Cedric Irving Jr., 27, in connection with Beam’s shooting. According to Assistant Oakland Police Chief James Beere, Irving was known to Beam, though they did not share a close relationship.
“This was a very targeted incident,” Beere stated. “Coach Beam, although they did not have a close relationship, was open to helping everybody in our community.” Beere also noted that Irving had previously attended Skyline High school and was known to frequent the Laney college campus. “In this case, I can just tell you that the individual that was arrested went specifically to the campus for a specific reason.”
The shooting occurred amidst heightened concerns about violence in the area, coming just one day after a 15-year-old boy was shot at Skyline High school. Police confirmed that the teenager is recovering and in good spirits.
The examination remains ongoing as the Oakland community grapples with the loss of a true icon.
