Tragic Loss: Legendary Coach John Beam Killed in Shooting Incident
Oakland’s sports community was rocked by devastating news on Thursday. John Beam, a revered American football coach with an illustrious career spanning decades, has died at the age of 66.
Reports from CNN and other outlets confirm that Beam was fatally shot on the campus of Laney College in broad daylight. The incident unfolded around noon within the college’s athletic facilities, where authorities believe Beam was deliberately targeted by an assailant who was familiar to him.
Despite being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, Beam succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Friday morning.
Law enforcement apprehended the suspect shortly after the shooting. Surveillance footage captured the individual fleeing the scene. Notably, officials have stated that the suspected shooter is not a student at Laney College.
Area Secured
In the wake of the tragic event, Laney College promptly cordoned off the area and reopened its campus the following day. The institution took immediate action to provide support services for its students. Tammeil Gilkerson, the principal of the Peralta higher education district, described the incident as a “shocking blow to the entire community.”
“We are shocked and heartbroken that such violence has touched our campus and claimed one of the most respected and beloved members of the Laney, Peralta, and Oakland community,” Gilkerson stated in an official message sent to staff, as reported by CNN.
A Coaching Legacy
Beam was a prominent figure in California’s junior football scene. His coaching journey began in Oakland in the 1980s, culminating in his appointment as head coach of Laney College in 2012. Under his guidance, the team clinched two championships, and over 20 of his players advanced to the NFL.
In 2020, Beam gained nationwide recognition when Netflix showcased his team’s season in the acclaimed documentary series Last Chance U, which chronicles the struggles of junior college players facing various personal challenges.
The loss of Coach Beam marks a profound moment of grief for the community he touched and inspired throughout his career.