John Beam, a revered American football coach and athletics director at Laney College in Oakland, California, has tragically died after being shot on campus. The incident occurred on Thursday, and by Friday, police had apprehended a suspect identified as Cedric Irving Jr. Although the suspect knew Beam, authorities confirmed they did not have a personal relationship. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Beam, 66, was a prominent figure in the community, having mentored countless young athletes, including several who went on to play in the NFL. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with tributes from Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and former players. Beam gained national recognition through his feature in the fifth season of Netflix’s ‘Last Chance U,’ which highlighted his leadership of the Laney Eagles football team. This tragic event marks the second school shooting in Oakland within two days, following an incident at Skyline High School, where Beam previously coached for 16 years. The suspect, who was arrested at a local bus stop, was found in possession of a firearm. The community continues to mourn the loss of a man described as a mentor, educator, and lifeline for thousands.
