John Beam, Legendary Coach, Dies After Oakland Shooting

John Beam, a legendary football coach and athletic director at Laney College in Oakland, California, has died following a shooting incident on campus. Beam was shot in the head during a targeted attack at the Laney Fieldhouse on Thursday afternoon.

He succumbed to his injuries on Friday morning at the age of 66, as confirmed by the Oakland Police Department. His family expressed their devastation, describing him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, coach, and mentor.

They appreciated the outpouring of love and support from the community during this difficult time. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr., was arrested early Friday morning at the San Leandro BART station.

He was found in possession of a firearm and had been known to loiter around the campus, although he was not a student at Laney College. Assistant Police Chief James Beere stated that the suspect and Beam were acquainted but did not share a close relationship.

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and police noted it was a very targeted incident. Beam's impact on the community has been profound; he was featured in the Netflix series "Last Chance U," which highlighted his dedication to mentoring young athletes.

Over his decades-long career, he coached numerous players, many of whom advanced to professional football, including NFL players C.J. Anderson and Marvel Smith. Mayor Barbara Lee remarked on Beam's legacy, emphasizing that it is measured not in championships but in the lives he touched and mentored.

She called his death a tragic reminder of the pervasive gun violence affecting Oakland, urging the community to work towards solutions to ensure safety. Former Oakland police chief LaRonne Armstrong also expressed concern over the ongoing violence, indicating that more efforts are needed to safeguard the community.

The shooting incident is part of a troubling trend, as Beam's death follows another shooting at Skyline High School just two days prior, highlighting the urgent need for measures against gun violence in schools and communities.

The campus was placed on lockdown during the incident but has since reopened, with additional security measures being implemented. The community continues to mourn Beam's loss, reflecting on his lifelong commitment to uplifting young people in Oakland and the void his passing leaves behind.