Photo: John Beam/Facebook
Former Laney College head coach turned athletic director John Beam, who was once featured on the Netflix docuseries Last Chance U, died Friday (November 14) at the age of 66 from injuries sustained during a shooting on the school's campus one day prior, the Oakland Police Department confirmed via NBC Bay Area.
Cedric Irving Jr., 27, was identified as the suspect previously reported to have been arrested in relation to the now-fatal shooting. It's unclear whether Irving knew Beam prior to the incident.
Beam was reportedly shot in the head at the Laney Fieldhouse just before noon local time on Thursday (November 13), according to authorities. The former coach, who took over as the program's athletic director in 2024, initially joined Laney College as a running backs coach in 2004 and was promoted to head coach in 2012, having served as a coach in the Oakland area for more than 40 years.
Laney College was featured on the Netflix docuseries Last Chance U, which chronicles junior college teams, in 2020. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as a "giant" in the local community for his work as a mentor, educator and lifeline for the youth.
"For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family," Lee said in a statement obtained by the Associated Press.
Beam has led Laney College to two league titles and has coached 20 players who went on to the NFL during his tenure.