Laney College athletic director John Beam, a prominent figure on Netflix’s ‘Last Chance U’ series, was shot on the school’s campus in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 13, and later died on Nov. 14, according to the Oakland Police Department.
Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell announced Beam’s death at a news conference on Nov. 14.
Assistant police chief James Beere said it was a targeted attack, adding the suspect and Beam knew each other, although weren’t close, according to the AP. Beers also said the suspect played football at Skyline High School, where Beam formerly coached, although the suspect didn’t play there during Beam’s tenure.
Oakland Police Lt. Gloria Beltran said Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Cedric Irving Jr., 27, in an Oakland suburb rapid transit station. Irving faces possible murder charges, Beltran said.
It’s 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, was featured on season five of ‘Last Chance U,’ a popular series about college football at the junior college level, focusing on players aiming to turn around their careers. He was the head coach of the team from 2012-24.
Oakland mayor Barbara Lee issued a statement after the shootings.
‘My thoughts are with Coach John Beam and his loved ones. We are praying for him,’ Lee wrote. ‘Coach Beam is a giant in Oakland — a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people. For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family.’
The Peralta Community College District also released a statement, which didn’t 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 spokesman Mark Johnson added in an emailed statement to USA TODAY:
‘We are stunned and heartbroken that such violence has touched our campus and one of the most respected and beloved members of our Laney, Peralta, and Oakland community. John Beam is a renowned coach, teacher, mentor, and leader whose impact extends far beyond athletics.’
The college was placed on lockdown, with the campus closed the remainder of Nov. 13. The campus re-opened Nov. 14.
Beam produced 20 NFL players during his tenure as head coach at Laney College, according to his bio. He also sent over 100 players to the Division I level.
(This story has been updated to include new information and to add a video.)
