John Beam, a well-known football coach and mentor featured in Netflix”s “Last Chance U,” has died after being shot on the campus of Laney College in Oakland, California. The Oakland Police Department confirmed his death on Friday, one day following the tragic incident.
According to police, the suspect in the shooting was known to Beam and had targeted him specifically. The suspect, who has been arrested, had a connection to the college, as he had previously played football at a high school where Beam had worked, although their time there did not overlap. The police described the event as a “very targeted incident” but did not provide further details about the nature of their relationship.
Beam, 66, was shot on Thursday before noon, and authorities arrived to find him critically injured. Community members gathered outside the hospital in a vigil, hoping for his recovery. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter, leaving a profound impact on those who knew him.
Assistant Chief of the Oakland Police, James Beere, noted that technology played a crucial role in apprehending the suspect. Surveillance from the campus and surrounding areas, including private residences and public transit, aided in the swift arrest. A firearm was also recovered at the scene.
Beam”s legacy as a coach was built on his dedication to players whom others had overlooked. He forged deep relationships with his athletes and led the Laney College Eagles to regular championship contention. His family released a statement honoring him as a “loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor and friend,” expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.
Longtime friend and former police chief Fred Shavies praised Beam as a father figure to many in the community, reflecting on the profound influence he had on countless lives. Two of Beam”s former players, brothers Nahshon and Rejzohn Wright, now playing in the NFL, shared their grief on social media, highlighting the significant role Beam played in their lives.
The mayor of Oakland, Barbara Lee, honored Beam as a “giant” in the city who dedicated over 40 years to mentoring youth. She emphasized the profound impact he had on developing leaders both on and off the field.
In addition to his coaching achievements, Beam served as the athletic director at Laney College, where he continued to influence the school”s athletic programs after retiring from coaching. His tragic death follows another shooting incident at Skyline High School in Oakland, where a student was injured but is now in stable condition. The mayor underscored the urgent need to address the ongoing gun violence crisis affecting the community.
