Former Last Chance U coach John Beam dies in campus shooting
John Beam, Laney College’s athletic director and “Last Chance U” star, was shot and killed on the Oakland campus. Police determined the shooting was targeted and arrested the suspect.
Laney College athletic director John Beam, famous for his role in Netflix’s “Last Chance U” series, was shot on Thursday, Nov. 13, on the school’s campus in Oakland, Calif., and later died on Nov. 14, according to Oakland police.
Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell announced Beam’s death at a press conference on November 14th.
Assistant Police Chief James Beer said it was a targeted attack, adding that the suspect and Beam were not close friends but knew each other, according to the Associated Press. Beers also said the suspect played soccer at Skyline High School, where Beam once coached, but did not play there during Beam’s tenure.
Oakland police arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting on November 14th.
Oakland Police Lt. Gloria Beltran said Alameda County sheriff’s deputies arrested Cedric Irving Jr., 27, at a high-speed rail station in suburban Oakland. Beltran said Irving could face murder charges.
This is the second shooting on an Oakland campus in two days, after a student was shot and injured at Skyline High School on Nov. 12.
Beam, 66, appeared on Season 5 of “Last Chance U,” a popular series about college football at the junior college level, focusing on players looking to turn their careers around. He served as the team’s head coach from 2012 to 2024.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee released a statement following the shooting.
“My thoughts are with Coach John Beam and his loved ones. We are praying for him,” Lee wrote. “Coach Beam was a giant in Oakland, a mentor, educator and lifeline for thousands of young people. For more than 40 years, he shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is reeling with his family.”
The Peralta Community College District also released a statement, but did not name Beam.
“This is a frightening moment for our community. We encourage everyone to follow official instructions and rely only on verified communications from the district and law enforcement.”
Laney district spokesperson Mark Johnson added in an emailed statement to USA TODAY:
“We are stunned and heartbroken that this kind of violence has been perpetrated on our campus and on one of the most respected and beloved members of the Laney, Peralta and Oakland communities. John Beam was a renowned coach, teacher, mentor and leader whose influence extends far beyond athletics.”
The university was placed on lockdown and the campus was closed for the remainder of November 13th. The campus reopened on November 14th.
According to his biography, Beam produced 20 NFL players during his tenure as head coach at Laney College. He also sent over 100 players to the Division I level.
Contributor: Christopher Kang
(This story has been updated to include new information and video.)
